The Call of St Peter (Luke 5:1-11)

The story of how St Peter came to be a disciple of Christ is told in all four of the gospels, but the most detailed account is found within the Gospel of St Luke (Matthew 4:18-20; Mark 1:16-18; Luke 5:1-11; John 1:40-42). Christ’s invitation to St Peter to follow him came after a miraculous catch of fish.

Beginning the story, Pope Francis explained: “The event takes place in the context of everyday life: there are several fishermen on the shore of the lake of Galilee, who, after working all night and catching nothing, are washing and arranging their nets. Jesus gets into one of the boats, that of Simon, called Peter, whom he asks to put out a little from the shore, and he starts to preach the Word of God to the crowd of people who had gathered.”

The pope went on: “When he is finished speaking, he tells them to put out into the deep and cast the nets. Simon had previously met Jesus and felt the prodigious power of his word. Therefore, he responds: “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets” (v. 5). And this faith of his did not disappoint: indeed, the nets filled with so many fish that they nearly broke (cf. v. 6).”

“Facing this extraordinary event, the fishermen are greatly astonished. Simon Peter throws himself at Jesus’ feet, saying: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (v. 8). That prodigious sign convinces him that Jesus is not only a formidable master whose word is true and powerful, but he is the Lord, he is the manifestation of God.” 

“For Peter this close presence brings about a strong sense of his own pettiness and unworthiness. From a human point of view, he thinks that there should be distance between the sinner and the Holy One. In truth, his very condition as a sinner requires that the Lord not distance Himself from him, in the same way that a doctor cannot distance himself from those who are sick.”

“Jesus’ response to Simon Peter is reassuring and decisive: “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men” (v. 10). Once again the fisherman of Galilee, placing his trust in this word, leaves everything and follows the one who has become his Lord and Master. Simon’s workmates, James and John, do the same.” 

This stained glass scene of Christ preaching from St Peter’s boat, which led to the Call of St Peter, is found within St Peter’s, in Roath. It was created by Mayer of Munich in 1883 and is part of a set of sanctuary windows picturing key episodes in the life of the saint, including his escape from prison and presiding at the Council of Jerusalem. St Peter is seen on the left, in the orange robe.

See the full image:

Where to find this work of art
St Peter’s, Roath

Read the relevant passage
Luke 5:-1-11