February 9, 2025 – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our Great Journey

The theme is “Fish with Me based on Luke 5:1-11 / Lucas 5:1-11

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Lord, Jesus Christ, you said to the Apostles, “Come, follow me.” You say the same words to us. Help us to follow you faithfully, to help those who are struggling, and to love all people as you love them. We rejoice with your presence with us as we work to build up the kingdom of God. Amen.

In addition to our prayers from the heart, our prayer for February is The Memorare. The Memorare is a prayer that asks Mary to hear and answer our prayers on behalf of her Son. Please pray this prayer daily to learn.

Using the Bible, invite a family member to read the Gospel aloud.

Things to talk about:

Jesus tells Peter to put the boat into deep water and lower the nets, even though he has been fishing all night and caught nothing. What do you think Jesus was trying to teach Peter?
God is always willing to help us. If you could ask God for one virtue or quality that would strengthen you to become a better follower, what would it be?
Jesus tells Peter that from now on, he will catch people, meaning that he will bring people to Jesus. We are all called to do the same. How can you bring more people to Jesus?

Things to do:

Make Banana Boats—The apostles filled both boats with fish. This recipe fills bananas with sweet treats. 4 small bananas, ⅓ cup semisweet chocolate chips, ½ cup miniature marshmallows Preheat oven to 300º. Slit each banana lengthwise through 1 side of peel, taking care to avoid cutting all the way through banana. Stuff each slit with chocolate chips and marshmallows. Wrap each banana in aluminum foil, place upright on a baking sheet and bake until chocolate and marshmallows have melted, 10 to 15 minutes. Unwrap and serve immediately. https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/banana-boats
Take a stroll through Our Great Journey art display on the first floor hallway. Locate the Fishers of People mural, near room 107. What do you see, who is there? What is your response to Jesus calling you to be a fisher of people? How can you tell others about Jesus?
Research some priestly and lay orders, the Benedictines, Franciscans, Catholic Worker Movement, Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Where do they live, who do they serve, what is the training?

Closing Prayer

Listen to the song Fish with Me by Ken Canedo

Reflect on the lyrics and how they connect to this Gospel.

Name those who need our prayers.

Catholic Insights

We are all called by God to do our part to bring about the Kingdom. A vocation is a calling to do something purposeful with your life. It could be to married life, single life, the priesthood, lay ministry or consecrated life. Whatever course we take, the Holy Spirit guides us in making that choice and commitment.

In his Gospel, it is the beginning of the leadership role that Peter will have within the community of disciples. His task will be to bring others to Jesus. Already he is doing so; the Gospel tells us that all the fishermen with Peter also left their nets and followed Jesus.

We continue to speak of Peter’s leadership and influence in the Church today when we call the pope the “successor of Peter.” Just like Peter, Jesus sees potential in us too. We participate in the mission of the Church when we bring people to Christ through the example and positive influence of our lives. Jesus calls us, “Fish with me.”

Did you know…. Lake Gennesaret is also known as the Sea of Galilee and Lake Tiberias? It is the lowest freshwater lake in the world. Much of Jesus’ ministry and miracles took place on or near this lake. Today, this lake supplies about 10% of Israel’s fresh drinking water.

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection