Miraculous Draught of Fishes
Raphael, 1515
My dear friends,
Today's passage from Luke’s Gospel invites us to reflect on the call to a higher purpose, both in the Christian tradition of discipleship and in the Bodhisattva path of compassionate service.
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 gotten 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.
- Luke 5:1-3
Jesus teaches from the boat, just as the Bodhisattva teaches from whatever skillful means (upaya) are necessary. The lake symbolizes the vast and turbulent ocean of samsara, the cycle of suffering. To enter the boat with Jesus is to step onto the path of liberation, leaving behind mundane concerns to focus on wisdom and compassion.
"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 burst.
- Luke 5:4-6
The deep water represents the depth of faith and commitment required to walk the path. Simon’s initial doubt mirrors the hesitation we all feel when called to selflessness. Yet, trusting the teacher’s wisdom, he casts his net and experiences the abundance that comes from surrendering to a higher calling—just as the Bodhisattva, through selfless action, finds the inexhaustible source of merit and compassion.
And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.
But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus's knees, saying,
"Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!"
For he and all who were with him were astounded at the catch of fish that they had taken,
and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who are partners with Simon.
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people."
- Luke 5:7-10
Simon Peter’s realization of his own unworthiness mirrors the humility of the Bodhisattva who sees their own egoic delusions but does not turn away from the work of saving others. Jesus reassures him, just as the Bodhisattva vow calls one to fearless compassion. To “catch people” is to uplift them from suffering, guiding them toward enlightenment.
they left everything and followed him.
- Luke 5:11
To leave everything and follow Jesus is the same as renouncing attachment to samsara to follow the Bodhisattva path. It is not mere abandonment of worldly things but a commitment to a life of service, wisdom, and compassion. True discipleship, like true bodhicitta, arises when we see that our personal liberation is inseparable from the liberation of all beings.
This passage calls us to deepen our faith and courage, whether we follow Christ or the Bodhisattva ideal. Jesus and the Bodhisattvas both beckon us to step beyond fear, to trust the wisdom of the path, and to dedicate ourselves to the liberation of all. May we, like Simon Peter, cast aside our doubts and take up the great work of love and service.