Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time
Thursday September 7, 2028
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
Key Theme: Trusting God’s call
Focus: Discipleship
Summary: True wisdom comes from God. Peter trusts Jesus, receives an abundant catch, and leaves everything to follow him.
Challenge: Let go of pride and fear. Trust Jesus even when the next step is not clear.
Action Step: Say a short prayer before one important choice today.
Verse to Remember: “Do not be afraid.” (Luke 5:10)
Called To Trust And Follow
Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 brings together readings that speak about wisdom, belonging, and response. They point us away from pride and toward trust in God. Each reading invites us to look again at what really guides our choices and shapes our lives.
In the first reading, Paul reminds the community that human wisdom is limited. He urges believers to stop clinging to leaders and status. What matters is belonging to Christ. This message still speaks clearly on Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, when many people feel pressure to prove themselves.
The psalm lifts our eyes to the Lord who owns all creation. It connects faith with daily living. Clean hands and pure hearts are not about being perfect. They are about choosing honesty and care in ordinary life.
The Gospel shows Jesus calling ordinary workers to follow him. They are amazed, unsure, and willing to let go. Their answer shows that faith often begins with trust, even before everything makes sense.
Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 2
- First Reading – 1 Corinthians 3:18-23: True wisdom comes from God, not human leaders. Worldly wisdom is foolish to God. All things belong to you in Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 24: The earth and all its inhabitants belong to the Lord. Only those with clean hands and pure hearts can stand in His holy place. They will be blessed by God.
- Gospel – Luke 5:1-11: Jesus called Simon and his companions to follow him after a miraculous catch of fish. Amazed and humbled, they left everything behind to follow Jesus, who promised they would now bring others to God.
Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years. For odd numbered years see Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:10-11
Themes for the Readings for Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we reflect on the messages from 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 and Luke 5:1-11. These readings encourage us to seek wisdom, trust in God, and follow His call in our lives.
- Wisdom from God: The reading from 1 Corinthians tells us to seek true wisdom from God, not from the world. This wisdom helps us see things clearly and make good choices.
- Avoiding Pride: Paul warns against thinking we are wise by the world’s standards. This reminds us to be humble and rely on God’s wisdom instead of our own.
- Unity in Christ: Paul says that all things belong to us because we belong to Christ. This shows that our unity in Jesus is more important than any earthly division.
- Trust in Jesus: In Luke’s Gospel, Peter trusts Jesus and lets down his nets again, even after a night of catching nothing. This act of trust leads to an abundant catch, showing the importance of faith.
- Call to Discipleship: Jesus calls Peter to follow Him and become a fisher of men. This call is for all of us to follow Jesus and share His message with others.
- Obedience to God: Peter’s obedience to Jesus’ command to lower the nets brings great results. This shows that obeying God’s will brings blessings.
- Jesus’ Power: The miracle of the catch of fish shows Jesus’ power over nature. This reminds us that Jesus has power over our lives and can provide for our needs.
In these readings, we see the importance of seeking God’s wisdom, trusting in Jesus, and obeying His call. By following these teachings, we can grow in our faith and share God’s love with others.
Reflection for Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we reflect on the themes of relying on God’s wisdom, becoming fishers of men, and trusting and obeying God. These readings from 1 Corinthians and the Gospel of Luke guide us in understanding how to live our faith more fully.
Relying on God’s Wisdom
On Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Paul warns us against thinking we are wise by the world’s standards. He reminds us that true wisdom comes from God. Worldly wisdom often leads to pride and self-reliance, but God’s wisdom leads us to humility and trust in Him.
We often face situations where we think we know what’s best. Paul tells us to be careful and to seek God’s guidance instead. By relying on God’s wisdom, we make better choices and grow closer to Him.
It is important to pray and ask God for His wisdom. Reading the Bible and listening to the teachings of the Church help us understand God’s will. When we rely on God’s wisdom, we find peace and direction in our lives.
Becoming Fishers of Men
In the Gospel reading for Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus calls Peter to follow Him and become a fisher of men. This call is not just for Peter, but for all of us. Jesus invites us to share His message with others.
Peter was an ordinary fisherman, but Jesus saw his potential. Jesus sees our potential too, no matter our background. He calls us to follow Him and spread His love and teachings to those around us.
We can share Jesus’ message in simple ways, like being kind and helping others. Talking about our faith and inviting others to church are also ways to be fishers of men. Jesus’ call is for all of us to bring others to Him.
Trust and Obedience to God
A common theme in both the first reading and the Gospel for Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 is trust and obedience to God. Paul tells us to rely on God’s wisdom, and the Gospel shows Peter trusting and obeying Jesus.
Peter had fished all night without catching anything, but he obeyed Jesus’ command to lower the nets again. His trust and obedience led to a miraculous catch of fish. This story teaches us that trusting and obeying God brings blessings.
Like Peter, we face times when we don’t understand why God asks certain things of us. But when we trust and obey, we see God’s power in our lives. We are reminded to listen to God, follow His guidance, and trust that He knows what is best for us.
The reflections for Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of the importance of seeking God’s wisdom, following Jesus’ call, and trusting and obeying Him in all things. By embracing these teachings, we can grow closer to God and help others find their way to Him.
Prayer
Lord, help us seek Your wisdom in all we do. Teach us to follow Jesus and share His love with others. Give us the courage to trust and obey Your commands. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you rely more on God’s wisdom instead of your own understanding?
- In what ways can you answer Jesus’ call to be a fisher of men in your daily life?
- Are there times when trusting and obeying God feels difficult? How can you grow in trust?
- How can you share God’s love and message with the people around you?
Homilies and Commentaries for Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- Phoebe in the Fire (Order of Preachers)
- They left everything and followed him (Pray as You Go)
- What Can You Leave Behind? (Jesuits)
- What If Failure Is Where the Call Begins? (Catholic Women Reflect)
- Going Deeper With Jesus (The Word Among Us)
- More Homilies and Commentaries for Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 2
Phoebe in the Fire
Dr. Ann Garrido points to St. Phoebe as an example of steady service when the Church and society feel messy or divided. Phoebe did not wait for everything around her to improve. She used her gifts, leadership, and resources to help others and support the work of the early Church.
Her example shows that we do not have to retreat when things seem hopeless. We can still serve, speak God’s word, support good work, and help people in need. On the memorial of Saints Gregory the Great and Phoebe, Dr. Garrido encourages us to choose faithful action instead of giving up, and to use what we have to help bring about what is good.
They left everything and followed him
Where might Jesus be asking you to trust him after disappointment? Pray As You Go focuses on Luke 5:1–11, where Simon follows Jesus’ direction even after a long night of catching nothing. The prayer invites us to imagine Simon’s tiredness, surprise, and awe as the empty nets suddenly overflow.
The reflection then turns to Simon’s deeper response. He recognizes his own weakness, yet Jesus still calls him forward and tells him not to be afraid. Pray As You Go encourages us to think about what we have already left behind to follow Christ and what may still be holding us back. The call is to trust Jesus enough to go deeper and keep following.
Featured music: “I Long for You” by Amelia Blanchard, Avery Reider, and Ike Ndolo
What Can You Leave Behind?
Leaving behind control can be harder than leaving behind possessions. Lauren Hackman-Brooks reflects on Luke 5:1–11, where Simon, James, and John listen to Jesus even when his direction goes against their experience as fishermen. Their trust opens them to something they could not have planned for themselves.
Hackman-Brooks points out that following Jesus may mean giving up the need to be right, self-sufficient, or fully in control. The disciples leave more than boats and nets behind; they leave an old way of relying only on themselves. She invites us to ask what Jesus may be asking us to release so we can follow him with greater freedom.
What If Failure Is Where the Call Begins?
Failure does not always mean God has closed a door. Leeza uses Luke 5:1–11 to show how Jesus meets Simon after a long, disappointing night of empty nets. Instead of waiting for Simon to feel successful or confident, Jesus calls him to trust again and return to the place where things had gone wrong.
Leeza reminds us that God can work through disappointment and even use it to open a new direction. Simon begins by worrying about fish, but Jesus leads him toward a much larger calling. Empty nets can teach humility, trust, and courage. The better question may not be why something failed, but what Jesus is asking us to do next.
Going Deeper With Jesus
What helps you keep praying when it feels like nothing is happening? The Word Among Us focuses on Luke 5:1–11, where Peter obeys Jesus after a fruitless night of fishing. His trust leads him to recognize Jesus more deeply as Lord.
The reflection encourages us not to give up during dry or discouraging times of prayer. Going into “deep water” may mean spending more time with Scripture, Adoration, Mass, or quiet prayer. Even when we do not see results right away, Jesus is still at work. We are invited to trust that he uses faithful prayer to deepen our relationship with him and help us follow him more closely.
More Homilies and Commentaries for Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 2
Filling My Nets (Order of Preachers: Maria Curtis)
Put Out Into the Deep (Dynamic Catholic: Matthew Kelly)
When Grace Takes the Helm (Word on Fire: Bishop Robert Barron)
Living in Faith and Spiritual Boldness (USCCB: Dcn. Harold Burke-Sivers)
The Folly of Control and the Virtue of Trust (USCCB: Fr. Roger Lopez)
Resources
The First Letter to the Corinthians: True Wisdom In Christ
In 1 Corinthians, Paul writes to a divided community that is placing too much value on favorite teachers and leaders. This reading fits that larger concern by reminding believers that human wisdom can distort faith. On Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, Paul pulls the focus back to God as the true source of wisdom and identity.
The passage reflects a key theme of the letter: unity in Christ. Paul insists that everything belongs to the community because they belong to Christ, not to human figures. Faith is not built on personalities or status but on God’s work of salvation.
Psalm 24: Standing Before The Lord
Psalm 24 belongs to a group of psalms that proclaim God as creator and king over all the earth. This reading fits the psalm’s wider focus by declaring that everything belongs to the Lord, not just sacred spaces or chosen people. On Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, it sets a tone of reverence and responsibility.
The psalm also highlights moral response. God’s kingship calls for clean hands and pure hearts. Worship is not only about prayer but about living rightly. Blessing flows from a life aligned with God’s justice and holiness.
The Gospel of Luke: Called To Leave Everything
Luke’s Gospel often shows Jesus reaching ordinary people and drawing them into God’s saving work. This passage fits that larger pattern by showing how Jesus calls fishermen, not religious elites, to become his followers. On Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, the focus is on trust and response.
Luke emphasizes awe, humility, and mission. Simon recognizes his unworthiness, yet Jesus calls him anyway. Leaving everything behind reflects a key theme in Luke: salvation leads to radical change and a new purpose centered on bringing others to God.
Read more about the themes and structure of the Gospel of Luke
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
If you would like an image to be made available as a specific product (card, poster, mug, etc.) or as an extra high resolution image for personal use just post a comment about what you want and we will create a link to our online store for you.
Left on the Shore
This peaceful scene of nets full of fish and a boat at rest reflects the Gospel from Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, when the disciples leave everything behind after the great catch. It also echoes the call to trust God’s wisdom over human plans.
This image is available for download and works well for parish bulletins, newsletters, classrooms, and youth ministry settings that invite reflection on calling, trust, and following Jesus.
Paid subscribers may download this file without watermarks for use in bulletins, social media, newsletters, etc. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.
Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.
Questions and Answers for Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Why does Paul talk about wisdom in the first reading for Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Paul wants us to seek wisdom from God, not from the world. This helps us make good choices and understand God’s plan.
What does Paul mean by avoiding pride?
Paul warns us not to think we are wise by the world’s standards. We should be humble and trust in God’s wisdom.
How can we apply the message of unity in Christ?
We should remember that we all belong to Christ. This unity is more important than any earthly division.
What does unity in Christ mean for our daily lives?
It means we should treat each other with love and respect. We are all part of God’s family.
How can we seek wisdom from God as Paul suggests in the first reading?
We can pray, read the Bible, and listen to the Church’s teachings. These help us understand God’s will.
What can we learn from Peter’s trust in Jesus in the Gospel reading for Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Peter trusts Jesus and lets down his nets again, even after catching nothing all night. This shows the importance of having faith in Jesus.
What is the significance of Jesus calling Peter to be a fisher of men?
Jesus calls Peter to follow Him and share His message with others. This call is for all of us to spread God’s love.
How does Peter’s obedience teach us about following God?
Peter obeys Jesus’ command to lower the nets and gets a great catch. This shows that obeying God brings blessings.
Why does Jesus perform the miracle of the catch of fish?
The miracle shows Jesus’ power over nature. It reminds us that Jesus has power over our lives and can meet our needs.
How can we follow Jesus’ call in the Gospel reading for Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
We can share our faith with others and live according to Jesus’ teachings. This helps spread God’s love in the world.
Trusting God and Answering His Call
Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us to rely on God’s wisdom, trust in His guidance, and share His message with others. In the first reading, Paul explains that true wisdom comes from God, not from the world. He encourages us to trust God instead of relying on our own understanding. This wisdom helps us make better choices and live in peace.
In the Gospel, Jesus calls Peter to follow Him and become a fisher of men. Peter trusts Jesus, even after a night of unsuccessful fishing, and lowers the nets as Jesus tells him. The result is an overwhelming catch of fish. This moment shows the blessings that come when we obey and trust God, even when we don’t fully understand.
Jesus’ call to Peter is also a call to us. He invites each of us to follow Him and share His message with others. By living with kindness, helping those in need, and sharing our faith, we can help others come closer to God. Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teaches us to trust God’s wisdom, follow His guidance, and answer His call to serve others.
Your Turn
Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invites us to trust in God’s wisdom and share His message with others. How can you rely more on God and answer Jesus’ call in your life?
Reflect on the readings and think about how God is calling you to serve. Share your thoughts in the comments. How has trusting God helped you in the past? What steps can you take to bring others closer to Him? Your reflection might inspire someone to grow in faith and trust in God.
Leave a Reply