Today’s devotional comes to us from Catherine Zickert! Catherine joined TCU in 2024 and serves as the Campus Minister to TCU Catholic. Originally from Cleveland, Catherine had her first taste of Texas as a youth minister at St. Mark Parish in Argyle. After a few years in her role, Catherine returned to Cleveland to prayerfully discern what was next for her life. This led Catherine right back to Texas to her current role with TCU Catholic! We are so grateful to have her a part of our community! In her own words, Catherine is passionate about “meeting with these students and seeing where they are on their faith [journey], where I can help and encourage them, and then also help them so that they can continue to serve TCU in the way that they feel called to be serving.” I hope you enjoy today’s devotional!
Luke 5:1-11
Once while Jesus was standing beside the Lake of Gennesaret and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, 2he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to burst. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’s knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all who were with him were astounded at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” 11 When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Reflection:
During Lent, it’s easy to feel like we have to be a certain way or possess certain things for God to notice us or work in our lives. We can fall into the trap of thinking we need to be perfect, well-prepared, or spiritually “ready” before God will show up. But the reality is, God doesn’t need us to have everything figured out. He meets us exactly where we are. We don’t have to be someone else; we just need to be willing to be who we are in His presence.
In Luke 5:1-11, we see this beautifully illustrated. Jesus doesn’t ask Simon Peter for anything he doesn’t already have. He simply asks to borrow his boat. It’s such a small request, but it sets the stage for something extraordinary. After an entire night of fruitless fishing, Jesus asks Simon to try again. Despite his exhaustion and doubts, Simon obeys, and that’s when the miracle happens. The nets are filled with so many fish that the boats almost sink. Jesus responds to Simon’s obedience and trust with abundance far beyond what he could have imagined.
This Lent, Jesus is inviting each of us to trust Him, even when we feel we have little to offer. He is not asking for perfection, but for obedience and faith in His ability to provide. Sometimes, we’re afraid to trust God fully, believing He will only give us just enough to get by. But as this story reminds us, God doesn’t give in small measure—He gives abundantly, overflowing with grace and provision.
In this season of Lent, where we reflect on sacrifice and renewal, let us listen to Jesus’ invitation to meet us where we are. He calls us to trust Him and obey, knowing that He will provide abundantly for the journey ahead.
Let us pray.
Lord, in this Lenten season, help me to trust that You meet me right where I am. Grant me the courage to listen to Your call, knowing that You will provide not only what I need but with abundance. May I lean on Your grace and find the strength to follow You, no matter where You lead. Amen.