Thursday of the 22nd week in ordinary time year A
Colossians 1:9-14 Luke 5:1-11
Theme: The faith of Peter
In the gospel reading of today, we see the beauty of being patient and the wonderful faith of Peter. We will appreciate the scenario that plays out in the gospel reading of today, if we understand the background of these men involved. Remember that Peter and his companions are professional fisher men, and they have toiled all night and could not make a catch. While Jesus was not a fisherman, at best he can be referred to as the son of a carpenter. Yet he is telling the professionals what to do, for them to make a catch. However, he did not do this immediately he met the fishermen, he started by making use of their boats first to preach to the people, before attending to their needs. The willingness of Peter to do what Jesus wanted, without minding the fact that they toiled all night without getting anything, is worthy of emulation. He was patient with Jesus, and this singular action was the beginning of greater things in their lives. Some of us in anger would have chased Jesus away, and put all our frustration on him, and we would have lost what Jesus have in store for us. Patience is a virtue that we all need to imbibe in our lives and practice in our human relationship. Sometimes it gives us a better understanding of the situation before us and helps us to make a more informed judgement about that situation. We are all encouraged today to emulate the virtue of patience expressed by Peter in today’s gospel reading.
Listening to the words of Jesus by Peter and acting on it, is also very commendable. Jesus said, “put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch”. And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets”. The fact that he listened to Jesus, turned into a blessing for them, because they caught so much, and their nets were breaking. This was possible because Peter listened to Jesus and acted accordingly. In the same way, Jesus speaks to you in different ways, how do you respond to the commands given to you by God? We get the word of God addressed to us from the scriptures, from the sacraments and teachings of the church. What are you doing with all these words presented to you by God? We are encouraged today to listen to them and act positively on them, just like Peter did and we will never regret it.
Lastly, we are also encouraged today, to let go the baggage’s that we are carrying, that is stopping us from acting on the word of God in our lives. As you do this may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.