The unexpected catch
Pastors of the Eastern District of the LCMS annually gather at Camp Pioneer in New York
State in September for renewal of mind and spirit. The beauty of the beach and the view of placid Lake Erie at Camp Pioneer are intriguing. It surely is part of God’s creation.
In the Fall of 1985, one veteran Lutheran Pastor learned a faith lesson from an unexpected source, his Vicar (intern). While preparing for the three day meeting, the Vicar was packing his fishing gear. The Pastor said, “Don’t bother taking fishing gear. Lake Erie is polluted and dead. You won’t catch any fish!”
Nothing more was said. We traveled to
Camp Pioneer and attended the inspiring sessions of the program. As we gathered for breakfast in the dining hall on the first morning, someone said to the Pastor, “Your Vicar is down fishing.” Sure enough, there he was down at the beach with a broad grin on his face… and a large catch of fish… at least five large silvery fish! Everyone was amazed. Surely there were no fish to be caught here in this lake! But that didn’t stop our Vicar.
What a lesson of faith the Pastor learned. Just like Jesus’ disciples in Luke 5, “Master, we have fished all night and have caught nothing. Now you tell us to cast out our nets!” But sure enough, “Oh ye of little faith.” Jesus caused the nets to be full to overflowing.
We were all lost in the deepest of Lakes. We all went our own way of selfishness, sin, and death. The Lord amazingly has caught us by His divine grace. By Jesus righteous and innocent life He credited us as perfect. He paid for all your sins on the cross and is alive on this day. He surprises us with His grace and we are forgiven
Needless to say, when our paths have crossed in life ever since, the Vicar and the Pastor look back at that wonderful day at Camp Pioneer and laugh. It is laughter of thankfulness for that place and for all the spiritual lessons learned there.
This new fishing season 2022 some “unexpected catches,” are sure to come your way. When they come give thanks to the Lord and the ultimate catch in the manger of Jesus. Here God catches you with mercy and love to forgive you all your sins. In Him, death and evil are swallowed up for you!
Prayer: Oh Lord, open our hearts to the lessons of life. In this New Year of 2019 may we always believe and trust in You even when it seems impossible. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Portions of this article have been generously provided by my good mentor Pastor Don Cario.
See you Sunday.
(The Rev. Kent Puls serves both Grace Lutheran and Mammoth Lakes Lutheran churches. Grace Lutheran Church is located at 711 N. Fowler St. Bishop. Sunday services are at 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (760) 872-9791.)