Daily Mass Readings – Thursday, 2 September 2027

9 Therefore we also, from the day that we heard it, cease not to pray for you, and to beg that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom, and spiritual understanding:

10 That you may walk worthy of God, in all things pleasing; being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God:

11 Strengthened with all might, according to the power of his glory, in all patience and longsuffering with joy,

12 Giving thanks to God the Father, who hath made us worthy to be partakers of the lot of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love,

14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the remission of sins;

R. (2) The Lord has made known his salvation.

2 The Lord hath made known his salvation: he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

3ab He hath remembered his mercy his truth toward the house of Israel.

R. The Lord has made known his salvation.

3cd All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.

R. The Lord has made known his salvation.

5 Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm:

6 With long trumpets, and sound of comet. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king.

R. The Lord has made known his salvation.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

19 Come after me, says the Lord, and I will make you fishers of men.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 And it came to pass, that when the multitudes pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Genesareth,

2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

3 And going into one of the ships that was Simon’s, he desired him to draw back a little from the land. And sitting he taught the multitudes out of the ship.

4 Now when he had ceased to speak, he said to Simon: Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

5 And Simon answering said to him: Master, we have labored all the night, and have taken nothing: but at thy word I will let down the net.

6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a very great multitude of fishes, and their net broke.

7 And they beckoned to their partners that were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they were almost sinking.

8 Which when Simon Peter saw, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying: Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

9 For he was wholly astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken.

10 And so were also James and John the sons of Zebedee, who were Simon’s partners. And Jesus saith to Simon: Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

11 And having brought their ships to land, leaving all things, they followed him.

Simon and his companions had worked through the night and caught nothing. Jesus does not deny their weariness; he enters it and asks them to trust his word: “Launch out into the deep.” Their obedience opens them to an abundance they could not produce by their own effort. In the presence of this grace, Simon recognizes his sinfulness, yet Jesus answers his fear with a calling: “Fear not.”

The same Lord who reveals salvation to all the earth draws us from darkness into his kingdom and teaches us to live according to his will. Faith is more than knowing what God asks; it becomes fruitful through patient, joyful obedience. Even when our efforts seem empty, Christ can make them bear fruit when we place them under his word. Simon, James, and John then leave their boats behind and follow him. Their discipleship becomes a share in God’s saving work, just as Paul prays that believers may grow in good works and give thanks. We can begin today by bringing one difficult duty, relationship, or decision to Christ, listening for his word, and taking the next faithful step.

Lord Jesus, you know the emptiness of our efforts and the limits of our strength. Speak your word into our weariness, and give us courage to launch into the deep when you call. Fill us with wisdom to recognize your will, patience to remain faithful, and joy that springs from your mercy. Forgive our sins and free us from the darkness that keeps us turned inward. Make our lives fruitful for your kingdom, and teach us to follow you with generous hearts, leaving behind whatever prevents obedience. May our work and witness reveal your salvation and lead others toward you. Amen.