Daily Readings - Thu Sep 04 2025
Colossians
9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Luke
1And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,2And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.3And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.4Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.5And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.6And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.7And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.8When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.9For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:10And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.11And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and 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.