Thursday, Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time, Year C
First Reading: Colossians 1:9-14
Brothers and sisters: From the day we heard about you, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Reflection: Paul prays for the Colossians to gain wisdom and understanding, living worthily of the Lord through good works and spiritual growth. Strengthened by God’s power, they endure with patience, joyfully thanking the Father for delivering them from darkness to the Kingdom of His Son, where redemption and forgiveness are found, inspiring steadfast faith.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
Reflection: This psalm celebrates God’s salvation, revealed to all nations through His justice and faithfulness to Israel. All the earth is called to sing joyfully, praising the Lord with music and song. His saving power, evident in His kindness, invites universal worship, encouraging believers to proclaim His salvation with joy and gratitude.
Alleluia: Matthew 4:19
Reflection: Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him, promising to make them fishers of men. This invitation, echoed in the Gospel, urges believers to trust His call, leaving everything to spread the Gospel. It reflects the transformative mission of sharing God’s Kingdom, as seen in the miraculous catch and the apostles’ response.
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.
Reflection: Jesus teaches from Simon’s boat and commands a miraculous catch, astonishing Simon, James, and John. Despite Simon’s awareness of his sinfulness, Jesus calls them to be fishers of men. Leaving everything, they follow Him, embracing His mission to spread the Gospel, inspiring believers to trust and follow Christ’s transformative call with courage.
.
