Readings: 1 Cor. 3:18-23, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 5:1-11
“Do not deceive yourselves. If you think you are wise at this age, you should become foolish to become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness’ and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’” (1 Corinthians 3:18-20)
Today, St. Paul tells us that “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” What does it mean to be wise in this age? Today’s Gospel passage provides a practical answer. Jesus asked Simon Peter to put his nets into the deep for a catch, and Peter responded, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!” Peter spoke with the wisdom of this age.
How often have we missed our favours by disobeying God’s instructions because we were moved to act based on worldly wisdom? Today’s Gospel passage happened quite early in Jesus’ ministry. Peter’s faith was not yet fully formed. However, considering that Peter brought Jesus to his home and that Jesus cured his mother-in-law and a host of others, why did Peter hesitate to obey Jesus’ instruction?
Regardless of the miracles we have experienced in the past, we sometimes forget who God is. We still think twice or hesitate to obey His instructions. Sometimes we operate based on the world’s wisdom; we underestimate God’s power. Like Peter, we still prefer worldly wisdom over simply obeying God’s instructions.
Could Jesus be asking me to let down the nets right now? Why am I refusing to obey? Why am I still making excuses to God? Why am I putting the laws of science over and above the One who created the universe? Why am I scared of failure? Having tried and failed in the past, why do I assume I will still fail even though I follow God’s ways?
Before making any decision, it helps to ask: “Is this decision based on God’s instructions or am I only following worldly wisdom?” Worldly wisdom says, “Fight your enemies, deal with them completely so that they can never hurt you again.” Meanwhile, God instructed: “I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28).
Trust God. He will not instruct you unless He knows you will benefit from that act of obedience. Even if you don’t trust God, just obey; your miracle doesn’t depend on your trust; it depends on your obedience. After the great fish catch, Peter knelt before Jesus, saying: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” Do you know how many great and wonderful miracles you have missed just because you followed worldly wisdom?
Jesus said to Peter: “Do not be afraid; henceforth, you will be catching men.” In other words, the miracle was only an invitation to discipleship. It was not a graduation certificate. If you witness God’s mighty hands in your life, do not act like students who tear their textbooks upon receiving their certificates or like catechumens who leave the church after receiving the sacraments. Every miracle calls us to service. You have seen how great God is; you have tasted of His power; your prayers have been granted; now you know God can be trusted. Go and catch men and women for God’s kingdom
Pope Saint Gregory I, known as Gregory the Great, led the Catholic Church from 590 to 604 AD. Born around 540 into a distinguished Roman family, Gregory was well-educated in law and became Prefect of Rome at 33. After his father’s death, he transformed the family villa into the San Gregorio Magno al Celio monastery. As a monk, he was known for his strict discipline.
Appointed by Pope Pelagius II as an ambassador to Constantinople, Gregory sought military aid against the Lombards but was unsuccessful. When Pelagius II died in 590, Gregory was elected pope. He accepted the role with humility, seeing himself as a servant of God. As pope, Gregory passionately supported missionary work. In 597, he sent St. Augustine of Canterbury to convert the Anglo-Saxons in Britain. He also made significant contributions to the Mass liturgy, such as placing the Our Father prayer, and is credited with initiating Gregorian Chant. Gregory suffered from arthritis and passed away on 12 March 604.
Let us pray: O God, who care for your people with gentleness and rule them in love, through the intercession of Pope Saint Gregory, endow, we pray, with a spirit of wisdom those to whom you have given authority to govern, that the flourishing of a holy flock may become the eternal joy of the shepherds. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Gregory the Great, Pope, Doctor. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: 1 Cor. 3:18-23, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 5:1-11)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu