Thursday, 5 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 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. Jesus must have laughed at Peter’s foolishness for assuming it would be futile to let down the nets then.
- How often have we missed our favours by disobeying God’s instructions because we were moved to act based on worldly wisdom? For instance, you are tempted to steal a huge sum of money. Worldly wisdom says: “Take it, things are difficult, the government has increased the fuel price, your children need it…” God says: “Thou shall not steal. Trust Me, I am Your Shephard.” Whose voice would you obey?
- Today’s Gospel passage happened quite early in Jesus’ ministry. As such, one would be safe to say 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 before his eyes, why did Peter hesitate to obey Jesus’ command?
- No matter how many years we spend with Jesus, we sometimes forget who He is. Sometimes, we operate based on the world’s wisdom; we underestimate the power of God. Peter’s faith experienced a constant rise and fall, and each time he fell, Jesus picked him up. For instance, Peter had the faith to walk on water but soon dropped to worldly wisdom; fear gripped him, and he almost drowned (Cf. Matthew 14:28-31).
- What kind of wisdom am I operating with right now? Will this decision I make be fuelled by faith or worldly wisdom? Perhaps Jesus is asking me to let down my nets for a catch, yet I procrastinate and give God excuses. Trust God and obey His commands. Forget what people around you are saying. Do what is right, and God will reward you with an abundant catch—more than you would have dreamt of if you had disobeyed.
- Quarrelling and fighting among Christians is a sign of worldly wisdom. It is foolish to forget that Paul and Apollos are instruments while God gives them growth. Paul’s ability to preach is not his making, and Apollos’s ability to work miracles is a gift. God can use anybody. Refrain from viewing the Church like a political organisation; there is more to reality than what meets the eye. Worldly wisdom cannot comprehend spiritual matters.
- After the great fish catch, Peter knelt before Jesus, saying: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” What sin was Peter confessing? The sin of doubt. To doubt God is to underestimate His power. It assumes your prayers are in vain or the situation is beyond God. We all need to beg God to forgive us for this sin.
- Jesus said to Peter: “Do not be afraid; henceforth, you will be catching men.” In other words, the miracle was only a pointer to a deeper reality. Like the miracle of the loaves, Jesus was leading Peter and his companions somewhere. Miracles are signs, not ends in themselves.
- Running after miracles is like clinging to the church signboard without understanding where it leads. Do you notice Peter and the other disciples left everything behind to follow Jesus? Why are Christians leaving Jesus behind to follow material riches? Why are we more interested in selling fish than catching men?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the grace to grow deeper in the spirit. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of week 22 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23, Ps. 24:1-6, Luke 5:1-11).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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