There is a word we use in the Philippines when we’ve reached our limit: "Pagod." Not just tired, but soul-weary. Imagine Peter at...
There is a word we use in the Philippines when we’ve reached our limit: "Pagod." Not just tired, but soul-weary. Imagine Peter at the shore of Gennesaret. He is a professional fisherman. He has his own bangka (boat). He has his own crew. But he has "toiled all night and caught nothing." His nets are empty, his pockets are empty, and his heart is heavy.
Maybe you feel like Peter today. Maybe you are an OFW who has spent ten years in the desert of the Middle East, sending every centavo home, but you still feel like your "net" is empty because your children don't know you. Maybe you are a mother who "toils all night" caring for a sick child and "catches nothing" but more exhaustion.
Jesus walks into Peter’s failure. He doesn't ask Peter to go to the Temple; He asks to use his bangka. And then He gives that famous command: "Pumunta kayo sa malalim." (Put out into deep water). Peter’s response is the key to our faith: "Lord, pagod na kami... pero dahil sa sinabi mo, ibababa ko ang lambat." When Peter obeys, the catch is so huge the net begins to tear. But look at what happens. Peter doesn't start calculating the profit for the palengke (market). He falls at Jesus' knees and makes a Confession: "Layuan mo ako, Panginoon, dahil ako ay makasalanan." In the light of God’s abundance, we finally see our own "smallness." We realize we don't deserve such love.
But Jesus doesn't leave. He says, "Huwag kang matakot." He takes Peter's empty boat and gives it a new Commission. "Mula ngayon, mamamalakaya ka na ng mga tao." God doesn't call the successful; He calls the pagod. He uses our empty boats to show His fullness. If you feel like your life is "catch-less" right now, don't wash your nets and give up. Invite Jesus into your bangka. Let Him take you into the "deep water" of trust. Your "sinfulness" is not an obstacle to Him; it is the space where His mercy works. Don't be afraid. At His word, lower the nets one more time.
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