Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Every time I hear or read this Gospel passage from Luke, chapter 5, I think of St. John Paul II. It was a favorite passage of his. He referred to it frequently.

The most famous time he did this was in January 2001. The Church, under his leadership, had just celebrated the Great Jubilee Year, the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. He had longed to reach this year, even though his health had worsened considerably. He had written several beautiful documents, helping us appreciate the meaning of the Incarnation.

Now that the Jubilee was completed, he turned his attention to the future. What words did he use as the starting point? None other than the Gospel of today.

He wrote: “Our hearts ring out with the words of Jesus when one day, after speaking to the crowds from Simon’s boat, he invited the Apostle to put out into the deep for a catch: ‘Duc in altum’ (Lk 5:4). Peter and his first companions trusted Christ’s words, and cast the nets. ‘When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish’ (Lk 5:6). Duc in altum (Put out into the deep)! These words ring out for us today, and they invite us to remember the past with gratitude, to live the present with enthusiasm, and to look forward to the future with confidence.”

Should we not trust in Jesus’ words? Even though we may have failed in the past, like Peter having no success, still we are called “to look forward to the future with confidence.” Trust in Jesus, and all will be well.

Reflection: Pray each day for an increase in the gifts of faith, hope, and charity.

Reflection by Archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB