After fishing all night without catching any fish, Peter threw himself at the knees of Jesus who made an incredibly fruitful catch, entrusting him and the other disciples with the mission of becoming fishers of souls for God.
In the Sources, Francis often exhorts his disciples not to be afraid of being considered unbalanced in order to proclaim the Gospel.
The Poverello, a man of God and rich in faith in the Lord, became by grace a 'fisher of men'. Indeed, many flocked to follow and listen to him.
The Franciscan documentation instructs:
"Francis, full of the grace of the Holy Spirit, to the six brothers [...] summoning them to himself from the forest that stretched near the Portiuncula, into which they often entered to pray [...].
He said:
"Beloved brothers, considering our vocation, God, in his mercy, has called us not only for our salvation, but also for that of many others.
Let us go therefore through the world, exhorting everyone, by example rather than by words, to do penance for their sins and to remember God's commandments'.
He continued:
"Do not be afraid of being thought insignificant or deranged, but proclaim penance with courage and simplicity.
Trust in the Lord, who has overcome the world! He speaks by His Spirit in you and through you, admonishing men and women to be converted to Him and to observe His precepts.
You will meet some faithful, meek and benevolent ones, who will receive you and your words with joy.
Many more, however, will be the unbelieving, proud, blasphemers, who will insult you and resist you and your proclamation.
Propose to yourselves [...] to bear everything with patience and humility" " (FF 1440).
«Do not be afraid; from now on you will be a 'fisher' of men» (Lk 5:10)
Thursday of the 22nd wk. in O.T. (Lk 5,1-11)
