Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 7, 2023
First Reading: Colossians 1.9-14
9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Psalm 98
1Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.2The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.3He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.4Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;5make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing,6with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn- shout for joy before the LORD, the King.7Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.8Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy;9let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.
Gospel: Luke 5.1-11
1One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God,2he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.3He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,10and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.11Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of spiritual growth, obedience, and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Colossians is a heartfelt prayer where Paul expresses gratitude for the Colossians' faith and prays for their continued growth in wisdom and understanding. He emphasizes living a life worthy of God, bearing fruit through good works, and finding strength in patience and joy. This prayer underscores the importance of trusting in God's plan and the redemption offered through Jesus Christ.
The Gospel from Luke presents a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry as He calls Simon Peter and the other disciples. After a night of futile fishing, Jesus instructs Simon to cast his nets into deep water, resulting in an abundant catch. This miracle not only showcases Jesus' divine authority but also highlights Simon's obedience and humility. Recognizing his sinfulness, Simon humbly asks Jesus to depart, yet Jesus reassures him and invites him to follow, leading to a life of discipleship.
These readings remind us of the importance of trusting God's will, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. Like Simon, we are called to step out in faith, trusting that God's plan will lead us to places of abundance and purpose. The moral lesson here is clear: obedience and trust in God's guidance can lead to profound spiritual growth and a life of fulfillment. As we navigate our daily lives, let us seek to know God's will, trust in His providence, and be willing to follow His call wholeheartedly, just as the disciples did.