Thursday – 22nd Week of Ordinary Time B

Published on 4 September 2024 at 07:02

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s readings remind us of the profound wisdom of God and the call we receive to follow Him in humility. Saint Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, delivers a challenge to the cultures of pride and self-sufficiency that surround us. He urges us not to be deceived by the false wisdom of our world. Instead, he invites us to embrace the humility of “foolishness” in the eyes of the world, which is, in fact, the pathway to divine wisdom. For the wisdom of this world, often cloaked in human achievement, can lead us astray, while the wisdom of God reveals a truth that encompasses all creation.

As we reflect on the Gospel passage from Luke, we encounter Saint Peter, a seasoned fisherman, who has toiled all night without success. In his weariness and doubt, he listens to Jesus’ directive to “put out into deep water.” After a long night, Peter could have easily dismissed this idea, relying on his own understanding and expertise as a fisherman. But instead, he chooses to obey, humbling himself before the Master’s command, and it leads to an astonishing catch of fish that threatens to sink the very boats that carry it.

We too, are called to have greater trust in Jesus. Faith is all about trusting. It will always involve some risk. But that very risk will be in God’s hands when we trust him. Peter was asked to risk going out again. In his mind, there was a possibility they’d still come back empty handed, even after wasting so much time and resources.

There's a beautiful connection to the life of St. Francis of Assisi, who also exemplified a radical humility that mirrored Christ's teaching. When Francis was confronted by the truth of his own sinfulness and vanity, he famously renounced his wealthy life and titles. His decision to embrace a life of poverty and service seemed foolish in the eyes of the world. Yet, through this surrender, he found a deeper richness — a community of brothers and sisters, an intimate relationship with God, and a heart fully alive in service to others. He never asked for others to join him, but they were nevertheless sent by God. Just as Peter fell to his knees in humility, recognizing his own unworthiness, St. Francis similarly experienced a profound encounter with Christ, that transformed his life. It is such moments that shape our general paths moving forward in Christ.

Peter and Francis show us something vital about true wisdom: it isn’t about accumulating knowledge or accolades. Rather, it’s about recognizing our dependence on God and the call to serve others. St. Paul reminds us that everything — all of creation, all of life, all of the challenges and triumphs — belong to us through Christ. When we acknowledge this gift and respond by casting aside our false wisdom and pride, we are transformed into vessels for His mission.

As we step into the deeper waters of our faith, let us remember that God calls each one of us to abandon our nets, much like Peter and Francis did. He invites us into a richer relationship that surpasses worldly success and wisdom. When we are willing to embrace this foolishness, as Paul suggests, we will find that in our weakness, His strength is made perfect.

Amen.


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