[1] And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the
word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
[2] And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and
were washing their nets.
[3] And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would
thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
[4] Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let
down your nets for a draught.
[5] And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have
taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
[6] And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net
brake.
[7] And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should
come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
[8] When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I
am a sinful man, O Lord.
[9] For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which
they had taken:
[10] And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon.
And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
[11] And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
This reading from the Holy Gospel tells us how our Lord Jesus Christ, while teaching throughout the land of Palestine, came to the Lake of Gennesaret, where he was surrounded by a multitude of people wishing to hear the word of God. There were so many people crowding the Lord, that Christ found it necessary to climb into a nearby boat and teach the people from the water. Those people who surrounded the Lord in such large numbers and who listened to His words, were also attached, as we are, to this earthly life and to the fruits thereof; but not to such a great extent as we are.
Why are there so few people striving to hear the word of God? The Lord says in the Gospel: Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it (Luke 11:28). So few hear the word of God, and even fewer are they who keep it, that is, who fulfill the word of God.
Do we read the Gospel at home, or do we hear it only once a week on Sunday? Today, do we strive to go to church to listen to and be edified by the word of God, like the people of Gennesaret, who hurried to hear the Lord? Alas, no! Our churches are deserted, especially during the All-Night Vigils. Even on Sundays and feast days, many are late to the divine services and do not hear the reading of the Epistle or the Gospel, which is the word of God. Many leave before the end of the service and do not hear the sermon, during which the word of God is explained.
Why are there so few that pay attention to the word of God? The reason is that we are tied to everything worldly, and we place our material needs and worldly cares above our spiritual needs.
We take great care of our bodies--our flesh--and of our property. But as for our soul, we have no time. The sorrows of this life drown out the one thing needful--attaining the salvation of our souls. Let us take great care for our souls. We must listen to Gospel and learn the word of God and fulfill it. Amen.
Archbishop Laurus (Skurla), November 1993