Jesus stood by the shore of Lake Gennesaret, and the people pressed
about him, to hear him talk about God. He saw two ships near the water;
they were empty, for the fishermen to whom they belonged were gone to
wash their nets. One of the ships belonged to a man named Simon. Jesus
stepped into it, and when Simon came asked him to push out a little from
the shore; then he sat down in the ship and taught the people. When the
sermon was over he said to Simon: “Push out now where it is deep, and
let down your net.” Simon answered: “We have been at work all night,
Master, and have caught no fish; but we will do as you say.” So they
let down the net into the water, and at once it became so full of fish
that it began to break. Then Simon and the other fisherman called to
their partners, who were in the other ship, to come and help. They came
and filled both the ships with fish; then the ships began to sink. Simon
Peter, seeing that, fell on his knees and began to pray; he said: “Depart
from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” He meant that he was not worthy
to be near the Lord. He was astonished and frightened, and so were the
others—James and John, and they were the sons of Zebedee. Jesus spoke
kindly and tenderly to Simon; he said: “Fear not; after this you shall
catch men.”
[Illustration: MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES.—John xxi. 4.]