Daily Readings - Thu Sep 04 2025
Colossians
9Then, too, from the day when we first heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and requesting that you be filled with the knowledge of his will, with all wisdom and spiritual understanding10so that you may walk in a manner worthy of God, being pleasing in all things, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God11being strengthened in every virtue, in accord with the power of his glory, with all patience and longsuffering, with joy12giving thanks to God the Father, who has made us worthy to have a share in the portion of the saints, in the light13For he has rescued us from the power of darkness, and he has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of his love14in whom we have redemption through his blood, the remission of sins
Luke
1Now it happened that, when the crowds pressed toward him, so that they might hear the word of God, he was standing beside the lake of Genesaret2And he saw two boats standing beside the lake. But the fishermen had climbed down, and they were washing their nets3And so, climbing into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, he asked him to draw back a little from the land. And sitting down, he taught the crowds from the boat4Then, when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Lead us into deep water, and release your nets for a catch.5And in response, Simon said to him: "Teacher, working throughout the night, we caught nothing. But on your word, I will release the net.6And when they had done this, they enclosed such a copious multitude of fish that their net was rupturing7And they signaled to their associates, who were in the other boat, so that they would come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they were nearly submerged8But when Simon Peter had seen this, he fell down at the knees of Jesus, saying, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.9For astonishment had enveloped him, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish that they had taken10Now the same was true of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were associates of Simon. And Jesus said to Simon: "Do not be afraid. From now on, you will be catching men.11And having led their boats to land, leaving behind everything, they followed him
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of God’s grace and the call to live a life rooted in faith and trust. In the first reading from Colossians, St. Paul prays for the community to be filled with knowledge of God’s will, wisdom, and strength. He emphasizes the importance of living a life that is fruitful in good works and growing in the knowledge of God. This prayer is not just for the Colossians but for all of us, as we strive to walk in a manner worthy of God, enduring trials with patience and joy, and giving thanks for the gift of salvation.
The Gospel from Luke complements this by showing us how Jesus calls us to follow Him in a radical way. The scene by the Lake of Genesaret is a powerful example of trust and surrender. Simon Peter, despite a long night of fishing with no results, obeys Jesus’ command to cast his nets into the deep. His obedience leads to an abundance of fish, a miracle that awakens him to the reality of God’s power. Peter’s response—falling on his knees and acknowledging his sinfulness—shows the humility and surrender that must accompany our faith. Jesus then calls him and the other disciples to leave everything behind and follow Him, promising that they will now catch not fish but people for the kingdom of God.
These readings remind us that living a life of faith requires us to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems uncertain or challenging. Like Simon Peter, we may feel unworthy or unprepared, but God’s grace is sufficient. The miraculous catch of fish is not just a display of power but an invitation to step out in faith and let go of our limitations. As St. Paul prayed for the Colossians, so we too are called to grow in the knowledge of God’s will and to bear fruit in every good work. Let us ask for the courage to surrender our lives to God, trusting that He will use us in ways beyond our imagination to bring others to His kingdom.