Thursday, September 5, 2024

Homily for Thursday, Week 22 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Thursday
22d Week of Ordinary Time

Sept. 5, 2024
1 Cor 3: 18-23
Luke 5: 1-11
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

“If anyone among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool, so as to become wise” (1 Cor 3: 18).

The Scriptures tell us repeatedly that God’s word or God’s law or the Gospel of Jesus is the source of wisdom.  Don’t put your trust in princes or in transient wealth.

The miraculous catch of fish
(Rubens)

Nor in your personal knowledge or experience, as today’s gospel shows.  Simon certainly knew more about fishing in the Sea of Galilee than a carpenter from Nazareth.  But he put himself under the carpenter’s direction, and something astonishing happened (Luke 5:9).

You’ve probably heard the anecdote about Mother Teresa (today’s saint), in which someone told her, “Mother, I wouldn’t do what you’re doing for a million dollars.”  She replied, “Neither would I.”  Being guided by the wisdom of the cross—rather than by politicians, philosophers, or pundits—open for us “the present and the future” (1 Cor 3:22).  Submitting ourselves to the carpenter, belonging to Christ and thru him to God (cf. 3:23), brings forgiveness of our sins, contentment, good relationships with our brothers, and the hope of eternal life.

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