Focusing the Gospel
Key words and phrases: they caught nothing, cast your net, full of...large fish, do you love me, glorify God, Follow me
Connecting the Gospel …To the point: To the point: The Gospel hints at two failures: the fishermen coming back with no fish, Peter’s denial of Jesus before his death. Yet these failures became occasions for Jesus’ gift of abundance: a large catch of fish, a fuller love that would “glorify God.” Faithful discipleship is not measured by absence of failure, but by openness to obeying new commands from Jesus, recognition of God’s abundant gifts, and willingness to grow into new life.
… to the First Reading: Strict orders from the Sanhedrin did not deter the disciples from obeying “God rather than men.” Ever faithful to Jesus’ command to follow him, they even rejoiced that they were able to “suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.”
… to experience: Strict orders from the Sanhedrin did not deter the disciples from obeying “God rather than men.” Ever faithful to Jesus’ command to follow him, they even rejoiced that they were able to “suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.”
