Sunday Worship
All are welcome to join us for Sunday Worship on the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany. Our services are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.
Although Plan B restrictions have now been lifted, we do still have some Covid precautions in place to keep everyone safe. If at all possible, please do wear a face covering in church, and maintain safe distancing.
If you are unable to be with us in person, you can find today's Gospel, a reflection, prayers and a couple of hymns below.
Our first hymn today is "I, the Lord of Sea and Sky"
Today's Gospel
Luke 5:1-11 The Calling of the First Disciples
Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break.
So they signalled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Reflection
The lectionary gives us powerful stories of calling today. Isaiah says these words in answer to God’s call “Here am I, send me!” and Peter who was doubtful over the fishing instructions given by Jesus says, “yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.”
Both stood in the presence of the Lord, full of awe and terrified, yet deep within trust Him with all their heart. Both don’t think they are up to the job but God trusts them and equips them in their doubt and nervousness.
It is a comfort to us that even when we think we are not up to the job of doing God’s will, God trusts and believes we can with His help and guidance. What we take away from these stories is that God calls us and part of that calling is being in a relationship with Him. He longs for us to rely on Him, longs for us to trust in His word, and even if things don’t always go to plan, we say sorry and return to Him.
He who forgives all – always. Amy Elizabeth
Our Prayers
