St. Joseph of the Lakes

How could helping a guy catch fish be a revelation of the glory of God? Isaiah the prophet gets a “real” revelation with the Lord seated on his lofty throne and the Seraphim crying out to each other: “Holy, Holy Holy is the LORD of Hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!” Any one of us having a similar vision would know, as Isaiah does, that we were in the presence of the Divine One. In comparison to this holiness it only seems natural for Isaiah to recognize his own position: “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips”

God reveals himself purposely so that from that Isaiah prepares God’s people for an impossible occurrence. King Ahaz (perhaps the most crooked and corrupt descendant of David) was caught in a fight with the kings of Aram and Israel and they threatened to capture Jerusalem, the city of Ahaz. Isaiah speaks to Ahaz:

Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as Sheol, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!” Then he said: Listen, house of David! Is it not enough that you weary human beings? Must you also weary my God?

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel. Curds and honey he will eat so that he may learn to reject evil and choose good;for before the child learns to reject evil and choose good, the land of those two kings whom you dread shall be deserted. The LORD shall bring upon you and your people and your father’s house such days as have not come since Ephraim seceded* from Judah (the king of Assyria). (Isaiah 7:11-17)

After fishing all day Peter is joined by Jesus in his boat. After spending time preaching he tells Peter to cast his net into the deep water. (This is not where one would catch a fish). He catches so many fish his net is near breaking. He responds in much the same way as Isaiah: “Depart me Lord for I am a sinful man.” God’s response to Isaiah was to have a seraph touch his lips with an ember which purified him. Jesus response to Peter is to encourage him: “Do not be afraid, from now on you will be catching men.” This too is purifying and prepares Peter for his mission.

Peter will spend his life proclaiming an occurrence that is as impossible as Isaiah’s prophecy: God has become man and has lived among us. He is inviting us to join him in His world even as He has joined us in our world.