“It is not how much we do—but how much love we put into What we do that matters.” —Saint Teresa of Calcutta

 

Today’s Readings – September 4, 2025

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. USCCB

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 98:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6

Response: The Lord has made known his salvation.

The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the LORD. USCCB

Alleluia

Matthew 4:19
Alleluia, alleluia. Come after me, says the Lord, and I will make you fishers of men. Alleluia. USCCB

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 hard 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 the boats 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. USCCB

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Reflection: Called from the Depths

I. Introduction

Today’s readings strike a powerful chord of humility and transformation. The fisherman’s encounter with Jesus, set against Paul’s prayerful longing for spiritual growth and the Psalm’s triumphant proclamation of salvation, invites us to consider how humility can deepen our faith and unleash new purpose.

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II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context

Jesus steps into Simon Peter’s boat—a humble servant to the crowd, using the boat as a pulpit. After teaching, Jesus commands him to cast nets into deep water. Despite a fruitless night, Simon obeys and experiences miraculous abundance. Moved by this grace, Peter falls to his knees, acknowledging his sinfulness, and is gently called to a new vocation: “catching men.” This reveals how humility in the face of divine action opens us to transformation.

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III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility

• Colossians 1:9–14: Paul prays for believers to grow in wisdom, bear fruit, and walk worthy—not through their own effort, but by God’s strength and mercy. Humility recognizes dependence on grace. USCCB

• Psalm 98: The earth rejoices in salvation revealed to the nations. Humility and praise go hand in hand, acknowledging that all good gifts come from God. USCCB

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IV. Reflections

• Obedience amid doubt: Simon had fished all night and caught nothing. Yet his “if you say so” reflects humble trust—a posture that opened him to a miracle.

• Encounter leading to humility: Fresh fruit and flashing nets led Simon to confession: “I am a sinful man.” True humility isn’t projecting weakness—it’s authentic recognition of our need for Jesus.

• Grace leads to mission: Simon’s humility is the soil where he’s called anew—to be a fisher of men. God doesn’t exile our past; He transforms it into purpose.

Here, Simon's humble obedience, love, and desire to follow reflect the heart of this truth.

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V. Practical Applications

1. Step into obedience, even when efforts seem fruitless—ask Jesus to guide you.

2. Practice authentic humility: Acknowledge your need for God; let praise flow when He intervenes.

3. Respond to grace with service: Like Simon, allow transformation to lead you toward mission and generosity.

4. Cultivate growth through prayer: Reflecting on the words of Colossians, pray for wisdom, endurance, and fruit-bearing—not self-made success but grace-enabled living.

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VI. Conclusion

Today we hear: humility isn’t about self-deprecation—it’s the doorway to divine transformation and mission. We are called to trust, to confess our need, and to be led by grace into meaningful purpose. In humility we are strengthened; in grace we are sent.

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Prayer for the Reader

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for calling us into the deep waters of Your love. Grant us the humility to trust You, even when our nets are empty. Teach us to recognize Your hand in the miraculous, to respond with hearts full of awe and confession. Shape us by Your grace into fishers of others—humble, loving, and purposeful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer for Politicians and for Healing of the Philippines from Corruption

Heavenly Father,
We lift up to You our beloved country, the Philippines. We pray especially for those entrusted with leadership—our politicians, lawmakers, and public servants. Fill their hearts with humility, wisdom, and the genuine desire to serve the common good above personal interest. May they lead with integrity, honesty, and compassion, always mindful that true authority is rooted in service.

Lord, we ask You to heal our land from the wounds of corruption—greed, dishonesty, and injustice that rob the poor and weaken the nation. Cleanse the hearts of leaders and citizens alike, that we may work together for a just and peaceful society. Replace selfish ambition with selfless service, division with unity, and apathy with courage to do what is right.

Bless our leaders with courage to resist temptation, clarity to choose the truth, and love for the people they serve. May they follow the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.

We entrust the Philippines to Your care, O Lord. Heal our land, strengthen our people, and guide us toward a future where justice and righteousness reign.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.