Put Out Into the Deep – The Call of Missionary Discipleship

Missionary discipleship begins and grows in union with the person of Jesus Christ. This reality of faith comes to life in vivid color and dramatic movement in this the 16th century large-scale masterpiece painting titled, The Miraculous Draught of Fishes, by Venetian artist, Jacopo Bassano. Completed in 1545, Bassano’s canvas is a visual catechesis on the source and inspiration of missionary discipleship as it finds rich and varied expression in the Christian community.

“Duc in altum”—“put out into the deep” (Lk 5:4). Jesus’ call to discipleship addressed to Simon Peter and the disciples is recounted in a familiar Gospel story. The disciples had fished all night on the Lake of Gennesaret with little success. Understandably, the fishermen were exhausted from their physical labors, and drained mentally and spiritually.

“Duc in altum”—“put out into the deep” (Lk 5:4). Jesus’ call to discipleship addressed to Simon Peter and the disciples is recounted in a familiar Gospel story. The disciples had fished all night on the Lake of Gennesaret with little success. Understandably, the fishermen were exhausted from their physical labors, and drained mentally and spiritually.

At one time or another, every Christian disciple has shared in the wearied condition of those first disciples. Daily work can be both fulfilling and wearisome, rewarding and draining. Catechists also know well both joy and discouragement in ministry and in the hearts of those being catechized. Jesus addresses his call to his wearied disciples then and to us today.