Jesus' Choice of Simon's boat for Preaching

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty Second Week :  Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 5:1-11*

*First Reading : Col 1:9-14*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 98:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6*

*Jesus' Choice of Simon's boat for Preaching* 

*1) Jesus’ Choice Was Personal and Purposeful*

Jesus intentionally chose Simon’s boat—not randomly. 

This moment marked the beginning of Simon Peter’s calling to follow Jesus.

He wasn’t just choosing a boat; He was choosing a man.

It was a divine appointment. Jesus already knew Peter’s future role in His mission.

This was the first step in a transformation: from fisherman to fisher of men.

God’s calling often begins in ordinary settings. What seems like a small moment—letting Jesus use your boat—can become the start of a lifelong purpose.

*2) Simon Had Already Met Jesus Before*

In John 1:40–42, Simon Peter meets Jesus through his brother Andrew. 

So this boat scene in Luke 5 is likely not their first interaction.

Jesus was building relationship—He didn't call Peter to full-time discipleship without first working in his life gradually.

Jesus starts by asking for something small (use of the boat), and later asks for something greater (his whole life).

God often starts with small requests before He calls us into deeper commitment. 

Are we faithful in the "small asks"?

*3) Simon’s Boat Was Available and Accessible*

While two boats were there, Jesus got into Simon’s. Perhaps:

Peter was nearby or most open to being interrupted.

The other fishermen might have been too busy, too tired, or unwilling.

Simon was washing his nets—finishing a long night—but still willing to pause and let Jesus in.

God looks for availability, not perfection. 

Is your "boat"—your life, your time, your gifts—open for Him to step into?

*4) Jesus Wanted to Bless Simon*

After preaching, Jesus tells Simon to go out into deeper water for a miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5:4–7). 

This results in:

A miracle that overwhelms both boats with fish.

A spiritual awakening for Peter—he realizes who Jesus is and confesses his unworthiness (Luke 5:8).

By choosing Simon’s boat, Jesus positions him to: 

Witness God’s power

Experience personal transformation

Receive his calling

When you let Jesus use what you have—even something as simple as a boat—you may be positioning yourself for miracles and mission

*5) Symbol of Surrender*

Peter could have said, “I’m tired,” or “I’ve worked all night,” but he didn’t.

Letting Jesus use his boat was an act of obedience and surrender.

It may have seemed like a small inconvenience, but it was a step into something eternal.

What might Jesus do through our obedience—even in small things

*6) Final Thought*

Jesus chose Simon’s boat because He was choosing Simon himself. 

It wasn’t just about convenience—it was about calling, transformation, and partnership. 

The boat became:

A pulpit for the Word

A platform for a miracle

A gateway to a calling

And it all started because Simon said *Yes* to a simple request.

“He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon…” — and everything changed.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*