GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 1ST SEPTEMBER 2016
THURSDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING: 1Corinthians 3:18-23
PSALM: Psalm 24:1-6
GOSPEL: Luke 5:1-11
THEME: WHEN JESUS GETS INTO YOUR BOAT
We are all familiar with frustration and the unpleasant feelings that go with it. It often sets in when we have a goal in life but, for whatever reasons, are unable to achieve that goal. Frustration, when not handled well, can even make one to give up completely in life.
Peter and his partners had worked all night without catching anything – their expected goal for going fishing that night had not been achieved. In fact, they had given up any hope of catching fish that night. They had come back to the shore and were washing their nets.
There were two boats at the shore of the lake. Take note, Jesus entered the boat that belonged to Simon. Simon honoured Jesus with space in his boat to proclaim the Word. After preaching from the boat, Jesus tells Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch (Luke 5:4). Simon obeyed and they caught so many fish that their nets began to break (cf. Luke 5:6).
The fishing business of Simon was rejuvenated that night. The breakthrough was so massive that he had to invite other partners in the fishing industry to come with their boat and share in his blessing. Even with the coming of a second boat, they began to sink on account of the huge catch (Luke 5:7). This is when God blesses you and the blessing appears to be too much – sinking with blessing. A night of frustration was turned into a day of laughter. It all happened because Simon had space in his boat for Jesus.
Life is full of frustrations. These frustrations may pop their heads up in our marriages, families, education, work and other vocations in life. There are times when like Simon we start “washing our nets” and folding up. Perhaps, you are experiencing one of such frustrations in your life. Take heart and look at the shore of your life. Jesus is standing right near your boat. All that he asks of you is to give him some space. This means bringing Jesus into your business, family etc. The next thing is to step out in faith and launch into the deep in obedience to his word. Something will happen. Something good will certainly happen. He will bless you till you want no more. He will give you a testimony.
Prayer: Eternal Father, as a new month begins, I pray for the grace of fruitfulness and abundance. I yield to the power of your word and with faith in your Son Jesus Christ, I put out into deep water and lower my nets for a catch. Give me an overwhelming “catch” this month, that your name may be glorified in me. Amen
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).