Not our will, but God's will

Readings for Thursday September 3, 2009

Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church

First Reading: Colossians 1:9-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11


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. (Luke 5:3-6)

We can say what we want about Peter's early days with Christ, but today's gospel reading shows us Peter's trust in Jesus from the beginning. Imagine after a long hard day of fishing and no success catching anything, someone comes along and tells you to give it another try. Most of us would be like, "thanks, but no thanks." Now imagine it is Jesus that comes and asks. In today's gospel, Peter actually says what each one of us would have been thinking; "but I've been at this all day, and you want me to do what?" After informing Christ that him and his co-workers have been at it all day, Peter follows his statement up with something that is very key; "but at your command I will lower the nets."

How many times do we feel as though God is asking us to do something that we are not all that crazy about? How many times do we beg and plead with God; "but I've already tried that" or "I can't do that, there is too much risk!" There will be times when what we are called to do does not make since, but we need to follow Peter's example and say; "but at your command, I will." Peter shows us that even though we may not understand or agree, we must still say to God, "not my will, but your will."

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul tells the people: "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" May we too be filled with the knowledge of God's will so that we can live out the life and purpose in which we were created for.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord we thank you for your great love and mercy. Lord, we pray fro the courage and wisdom to follow you so that your will may always be done, and not our own. May we only seek out things that draw us closer to you and shun the thins which seek to tear us away. Lord we pray for all of our priests and religious. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.