There seems to be an "earthiness" about Simon Peter. As we read the Scriptures, we become easily acquainted with his humanity-he isn't afraid to say to or show Jesus what he is thinking or feeling-his confidence, his struggles, his fears, his boasts, his anger. There is a refreshing freedom in Simon Peter's struggles-he is who he is.

In today's Gospel, Jesus intentionally chooses Simon Peter to be a Gospel witness on the shores of Lake Gennesaret. With the crowds pressing around him, and needing some space to teach, Jesus chooses Simon Peter's boat. Simon Peter who in his weakness has the openness to become strong. Simon Peter, who when Jesus tells him to put out into deep water, probably suppresses saying, "What, are you kidding?". Simon Peter whose eyes are probably bulging when the catch came in. Simon Peter who considers himself unworthy to be a disciple.

While the Scriptures tell us the catch is so great that Simon Peter and his coworkers struggle to bring it in, it is Jesus who really makes the "best catch" of the day. Jesus catches Simon Peter who seems to represent well the human thirst for God, human doubts about faith, and the human wavering confidence in self.

Perhaps in Simon Peter's mind, he is the most unlikely of candidates for discipleship. But Jesus makes him a promise-fear not I am with you. Jesus stays beside Simon Peter. Jesus continues to stay beside him throughout the Gospel-even when Simon Peter lets him down-and entrusts him with the future of his Church.

Perhaps in our minds, we might also sometimes consider ourselves unworthy for some reason. But Jesus continues to make the "best catch" of the day with each of us who stand before him in our full humanity-in our life successes and struggles. Like Simon Peter, we are who we are. Jesus makes us the same promise-fear not-he does not let us down either. May we, like Simon Peter, continue to grow in and through our relationship with Jesus as we hold in our hands the continuation of the Good News.

Sr. Barbara Ann Sgro, OP