Fishers of Men - Bp. Sevastianos - September 24, 2023

Reflecting on today’s Gospel reading from Luke Chapter 5, His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zelon emphasizes Christ’s words to the disciples: "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." With empty nets, the disciples encountered Christ who blessed them tremendously with more fish than their boats could bear. His Grace reminds us that these fish are symbolic of the many blessings God showers on us in our participation in the sacramental life of the Church. Like the disciples' attempt at fishing, we are incapable of accomplishing anything on our own. We need Christ. However, we often view life in the Church as a series of obligations. His Grace reminds us that through the Divine Liturgy and the Sacraments, we encounter God and he pours on us His earthly and heavenly blessings. When we participate in the life of the Church, God meets us to strengthen, guide, and save us. When we realize participation in the Church is not an obligation but rather a true blessing from God, we find joy in Christ and His Church. And with true joy, like the disciples, we too will become fishers of men, bringing people to God through the love of Christ we have experienced in His Church.