Daily Gospel Reflection for September 7, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection byKathryn Mulderink

Today's Gospel: Luke 5:1-11

St. Peter’s strong personality teaches us so many things. He is logical, passionate, quick to speak his heart, and – as we see in today’s Gospel – open to grace.

Jesus uses his boat to preach to the crowds pressing in on Him. When He is done, he tells Peter to go out into the deep to fish. It seems it is not the right time for fishing, as Peter quickly replies that they are already done with that fruitless task. “But,” he says, signaling his submission of his own thinking and his own will, “at your command I will lower the nets.” When the nets are filled to the breaking point, Peter is just as quick to acknowledge that he is sinful and unworthy of what Jesus calls him to do. They are all stunned, “seized” with astonishment at this incredible haul, a load of fish that made no sense to them.

Their astonishment was so profound that “they left everything and followed him.” We often think that the things Jesus seems to be asking us to do are pointless or will be fruitless.

We often think that we already know the outcome, and we object. Do we then submit and say, “not my will but Yours be done?" Because only when we set our own reasoning and logic aside and do what we are called to do, even when it seems to us that it will not be worthwhile, will we be astonished at what the Lord can do in our lives. When we set aside our own plans and reasoning, refusing to rely only on our own resources, and take a leap of faith in obedience, God can achieve things in our lives that make no sense to us.

And then we can leave ourselves behind to follow Him.

Ponder:

Have I allowed myself to be astonished by what the Lord can do, or are there ways I still try to remain in control of things?

Pray:

Lord, You can do far more in me and through me than I can imagine. Please give me the grace to refuse to rely on my own resources and ideas and act in faith and trust to serve You and others.

Click to tweet:
Only when we set our own reasoning and logic aside will we be astonished at what the Lord can do in our lives. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Kathryn Mulderink

Kathryn Mulderink, MA, and her husband, Robert, have seven children and seven grandchildren. She is president of the local Discalced Carmelites and has worked as a teacher, catechist, pastoral associate, and a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves by writing and speaking to lead others to encounter Christ and engage their faith. Her website is www.KathrynTherese.com.