(Mark 1:17:

When Jesus said, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mark 1:17), He was inviting ordinary fishermen into an extraordinary mission. He used a metaphor they understood well: just as they skillfully cast nets to gather fish, they would now reach out to people, drawing them into God’s Kingdom with compassion, truth, and hope. This was not about force or manipulation but about bringing life and light to those lost in darkness. In the world of fishing, there are two extremes. On one end, barbless hook, catch-and-release fly fishing reflects care and respect for nature. Fish are caught, admired, and safely returned to the water, ensuring sustainability and stewardship of the environment. On the other extreme, commercial drag-net fishing scours the ocean floor, destroying ecosystems, overharvesting fish, and leaving devastation in its wake. It trades the health of creation for profit, with little regard for long-term consequences. Similarly, catch-and-release fishing mirrors the spirit of true Christianity: sharing the Gospel freely, respecting people’s dignity, and offering them hope without coercion or exploitation. In contrast, the destructive model resembles the way some mega-church empires operate—extracting money from the elderly and vulnerable, manipulating guilt, and funneling millions into mansions, private jets, and lavish lifestyles while neglecting the poor and suffering. Jesus, who once overturned the money changers’ tables in righteous anger, would surely confront today’s corporatized churches with the same zeal, calling them back to humility, service, and authentic discipleship.