Daily Readings - Thu Sep 05 2024
1 Corinthians
18Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise.19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness";20and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile."21So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours,22whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future--all are yours,23and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.
Luke
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of true wisdom and the call to follow God’s plan with humility and trust. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us that the wisdom of this world is fleeting and often foolish in God’s eyes. He warns against putting our trust in human leaders or earthly wisdom, for all things belong to God, and we belong to Christ. This passage calls us to reevaluate our priorities and recognize that true wisdom comes from God alone.
In the Gospel, Luke recounts the story of Jesus calling Simon Peter and his companions to become His disciples. After a night of unsuccessful fishing, Jesus instructs Simon to cast his nets into the deep water, despite his doubts. When Simon obeys, he is overwhelmed by the abundance of fish, which becomes a moment of profound conversion for him. This story highlights the importance of trusting in God’s providence, even when it seems illogical or difficult. Just as Simon had to let go of his own understanding and rely on Jesus, we too are called to step out in faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
These readings remind us that true wisdom and success come not from our own efforts or understanding but from surrendering to God’s will. In our daily lives, we often face situations where we must choose between relying on our own strength or trusting in God’s plan. Like Simon Peter, we may feel unworthy or inadequate, but God calls us anyway. Let us embrace humility, let go of our need to control, and follow Jesus with courage and faith. For when we do, we open ourselves to the abundant life He promises, a life that goes far beyond our own limited expectations.