As you\u2019ll be aware, I\u2019m an angler. I\u2019ve been fishing since my mid teens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the years I\u2019ve learned to \u2018read the water\u2019, to be able to tell see where fish might be hiding, look for signs of feeding activity, to assess what might be the right approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally there are two techniques that I use to catch fish. One is the trusted float, hook, piece of sweetcorn, the other is a swimfeeder with a hair-rig. Most of the time, these two simple techniques are all that I need to catch fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are days when I seem to daw a blank, with nothing apparently taking the bait. At these times I have to think differently, try a different technique, a different part of the lake or river, a different rod, a change of reel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peter was an experienced fisherman. He\u2019d followed in his Dad\u2019s footsteps, watching and learning as he grew up. He knew how to catch fish, where to catch them, and the best time of day or night to catch them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He and his friends had been fishing all night to no avail when Jesus comes along and says, \u2018Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With, I think, immense self-control Peter replies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But then he adds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018But because you say so, I will let down the nets.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The result is a miraculous catch so large that he has to get help to bring in the net.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are times when we think that we\u2019ve got this church thing sussed. We use this or that particular liturgy, these set of hymns or songs, meet in this sort of building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And then Jesus says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Put out into deep water, and let down your nets\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe there are times when Jesus is calling us to do it differently; a different liturgy; a change of hymns or songs; to try<\/p>\n\n\n\n
silence; change our building; a new location. Have we the faith, the courage, to follow Peter\u2019s example and say, \u2018Because You say so, we will\u2019?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe there\u2019s a miraculous catch waiting for us \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rev Phil<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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