Homily for Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time:

📖 Readings

  • Colossians 1:9-14 – Paul prays that believers may be filled with knowledge of God’s will, to live worthily and bear fruit in every good work.

  • Psalm 98:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6 – “The Lord has made known his salvation.”

  • Luke 5:1-11 – The call of the first disciples; Jesus tells Simon, “Put out into the deep… Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”



🟢 Introduction

There’s an old fisherman’s joke: “Why did the fish stop going to school? Because they were tired of the net results!”
Just as fish can’t avoid nets, we often can’t avoid God’s call pulling us into deeper waters of faith.

📖 The Word of God

  • Colossians: Paul reminds us that faith is not static. We are invited to grow in knowledge, endurance, joy, and thanksgiving, moving from darkness into the light of Christ.

  • Psalm 98: God’s salvation is not hidden. His works are visible to the nations. This is both a comfort and a responsibility.

  • Luke 5: The miraculous catch highlights two truths: (1) Jesus provides abundance when human efforts fail, and (2) the call to discipleship demands leaving behind comfort and security to follow Him.

🔗 Connection of the Readings

Paul’s prayer for growth in holiness matches Simon Peter’s journey from fisherman to disciple. Both show that when God enters our “ordinary,” He transforms it into a mission. The Psalm ties it together: salvation is seen and proclaimed when people live out their call faithfully.

❓ Reflection Questions

  1. Where is Jesus asking me to “put out into the deep” in my life today?

  2. What “nets” (comfort zones, fears, attachments) must I leave behind to follow Him more fully?

  3. How can I be a visible sign of God’s salvation in my community?

🌍 Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee Year & Synodality)

  • Jubilee Year: A call to renewal – stepping out of shallow waters into the deep with trust in God’s mercy.

  • Synodality: Like Peter and his companions, we are called to journey together in mission, sharing both the risks and the catch. The nets of mission only work when they are held in communion.

💡 Inspiration / Motivation

Do not underestimate what God can do with your small “yes.” Like Peter, our weakness can become a mission field if we trust Him.

📝 Quote

“Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” — Luke 5:10

Or from St. John Paul II:
“Duc in altum! Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” (Novo Millennio Ineunte, 2001)

🌟 Final Thoughts

Discipleship is not about knowing everything or being perfect; it is about trust, surrender, and mission. Jesus steps into our ordinary boats and turns them into vessels of salvation.

🙏 Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You stepped into Peter’s boat and changed his life forever.
Step into my life today, guide me into deeper waters,
and give me courage to leave behind what holds me back.
Make me a faithful witness of Your salvation,
joyful in serving, and fruitful in every good work.
Amen. 

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