THE GENEROUSITY OF GOD IS OVERWHELMING (HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK OF ORIDNARY TIME YEAR II

In the first reading of today, we hear the declaration of St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians. He says: “The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God”. In other words, the philosophies of this word and its ideologies are but folly in the sight of God. Philosophies and ideologies that do not accommodate the transcendence of God, that excludes spiritual values,  the values of morality, law, culture and religion etc. Such as capitalism, marxism, fascism etc. These ideologies are eulogized by humans as they satisfy their economic desires but dethrone the place of God in human spheres. Friends in Christ, the wisdom of this world is folly to God and the folly of this world can be wisdom before God. The foolishness of this world is for instance the human understanding of the cross, sacrifice, self-denial, harmony, love, unity etc. These are but wisdom in the sight of God. Friends in Christ, let us pray that God will pour upon us his wisdom that our hearts and minds may be enlightened to discover in all we do his ways and plans for us. 

In the Gospel reading of today, we have the narrative of the preaching of Jesus, the miraculous catch of fish and the call of the first disciples. We are told that with the crowd pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats and the fishermen had gone out of the boats and were washing their nets. He got into one belonging tension and asked him to put out a little away from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat (Lk 5:1-3).

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, worthy of emulation is the disposition of Jesus to teach the crowd and the disposition of Simon to offer his boat for the accomplishment of the preaching ministry of Jesus. These they did without grudges or discontent, expression of the utmost desire to care for the spiritual welfare of the people. Friends in Christ, how supportive are we of the growth of the church of God? How supportive are we of the missionary life of the church? What contributions are we making to drive evangelization in our community? Do we give Jesus a central and heightened position in the preaching ministry? Beloved in Christ, as coworkers in God's vineyard, our contributions to the establishment of God's kingdom here are vital. Simon offered what he had in support of the preaching ministry of Jesus. What do you have to offer? St. Paul tells us: “All belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God” (1Cor3:22-23). Hence, everything we have received comes from God and must be dedicated to the interest of God. 

After preaching, Jesus asked Simon to put out into the deep water and let down his net for a catch. Simon responded, master, we have worked all night long but caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets” (Lk 5:4-5). Friends in Christ, can you conserve the obedience of Simon to the induction of Jesus? Here a son of the carpenter telling a fisherman by profession to let down his net for a catch. Yet, Peter obeyed Jesus. Peter, a professional fisherman knew that night was the best time to fish because of the stillness of the water, yet at the counter instruction of Jesus, Peter obeyed without argument. If you say so, I will let down my nets (Lk 5:5). Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, with Jesus there is abundance and multiplicity; with Jesus, miracles abound. Under the guidance of Jesus, we can achieve wonders. Child of God no matter what your difficulties and dissatisfactions may be and cast your hope and faith upon Jesus and your sorrows will turn to Joy. The word of God says: “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance (Jn 10:10). We are told that when they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to tear. So they signalled their partners to come and help them. They filled both boats so that they began to sink (Lk 5:6-7). Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, when the Lord gives, he gives in abundance for God's generosity is beyond measure. 

Simon Peter acknowledged the blessings of God upon him despite his human failings: “when Peter saw it, he said, depart from me, Lord for I am a sinful man” (Lk 5:8). Friends in Christ, the blessings of God should evoke appreciation, gratitude and reverence from us, it should help us discover the love and mercy of God upon us despite our limitations. God cares and loves us as much as his adopted children.

As we begin a new day may we experience the miracles of God in our lives, families, and businesses both now and forevermore. Amen

Have a fruitful day

Fr Remi osj