HOMILY OF THE 22ND THURSDAY OF ORDINARY TIME: YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: Living a Life of Purpose
BY: Fr Deotacious Chikontwe SMA
Today’s readings have a simple message: God calls us to a life of purpose, and He meets us right where we are.
Living a Life of Purpose
In the first reading, St. Paul prays for the people in Colossae. He wants them to live a life that honors God. He prays that they will:
* Know God’s will. This means understanding what God wants for their lives.
* Do good things. A life that produces good works is like a tree that produces good fruit.
* Be strong and patient. He wants them to be able to handle life’s problems with joy.
* Be thankful. He wants them to remember all the good things God has done for them.
Paul’s prayer shows us that being a Christian is not just about believing. It’s about living a life that shows our faith through our actions. It is a life with purpose.
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A Simple Call from Jesus
The Gospel reading shows us how this life of purpose begins. Jesus finds some fishermen who have been working all night. They are tired and have caught nothing. They are frustrated and feel like failures.
Jesus tells Simon Peter, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”
Peter is a professional fisherman. He knows this is a strange request. But he says, “Master, we have toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word, I will let down the nets.”
Because of his simple trust, they catch so many fish that their nets begin to break. This amazing catch makes Peter realize that Jesus is more than just a man. He falls to his knees and says, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”
But Jesus doesn’t push him away. He gives him a new purpose. “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” Jesus changes their whole lives. He takes their fishing boats and nets, which were for their regular job, and uses them for a new mission.
What This Means for Us
The connection between the two readings is clear. Paul’s prayer is what the fishermen are being called to live. They are now meant to do good works, be strong, and be thankful as they “catch men” for God’s kingdom.
Like the fishermen, we are often called by God in the middle of our normal lives. He finds us when we are tired or frustrated. He wants to use our skills and our everyday lives for His special purpose.
Conclusion
Today, let’s think about this: Where is Jesus calling you to trust Him and “put out into deep water”? What normal part of your life can God use for a new purpose? Let us ask God for the wisdom to know what He wants and the strength to live it.
Have a blessed Thursday everyone !
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