Fr. Rick’s Homily: Thursday, 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

September 3, 2026
Luke 5: 1-11
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090326.cfm

Jesus Big Catch – You?

What are you doing today? Most likely, you get up, prepare for the day, say a few
prayers, and have some breakfast. What if you were fishing with Peter, James, and
John all night? Surprisingly, you caught nothing at all. You start washing your nets,
thinking, ‘What a waste of time.’  
 
Then a crowd of people comes by, and one of them is someone named Jesus. He talks
a lot, and everyone hangs on his every word. People are so happy and full of
enthusiasm. You can’t seem to pull away.
Later, Jesus tells us to go fishing again, but it’s the middle of the day. Fish are active
only at night. You think, ‘This is crazy, until our nets are so full of fish that we struggle to
bring them all into the boat. It’s a miracle, a moment of awe and wonder that fills our
hearts with inspiration.’
 
The crowds in today’s gospel had an advantage over Peter and his crew. Jesus touched
the hearts of everyone there. He had a way of being present with each of them. As a
result, they experienced intimacy with Him and with themselves in a way they had never
before.  

Gospel Challenge: 
Peter understood after the miraculous catch. He knew he was in the presence of
holiness. “Leave me, Lord. I am a sinful man.” This moment of recognition is not just
Peter’s; it’s a call for us to spend intimate time with Jesus today. Let Him in on what you
are doing, thinking, and feeling. How will Jesus draw you into His net? 

Remember, Peter acknowledged his unworthiness. It made no difference to Jesus. This
is a moment for us to acknowledge our own unworthiness and yet feel Jesus’s
overwhelming love and acceptance.

Who we are matters more to Jesus than what we have or haven’t done.

Peace everyone.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com