Readings:

1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Luke 5:1-11

Reflection

So often in my life, out forgetting the love and power of God, I will try to turn to my own knowledge and wisdom. And as much as I would like to think I am wise beyond my years at the young age of 20, I most often find myself facing the consequences of my short-sighted actions and end up extremely burnt out.

Don’t you just feel God shaking his head in laughter and pity like a parent watching their toddler refusing to give their massively heavy backpack over to them to carry. I wonder how many times God just shakes his head at us trying to do everything by ourselves, trying to do his will without him and trying to work for his love, when “everything has already been given to us” (1 Cor 3:22-23). 

Isn’t it such peace to know that the “earth is the lord’s and everything who lives in it” (Ps 24:1). That I am but the Lord’s daughter and that is all. That I have nothing to boast in nor do I have to try and boast because it all belongs to us in Christ. That I don’t have to try and figure things out by my own logic but follow the commandments of Jesus and “Push out into deep water and let [my] nets out for a catch.” (Luke 5:4) That Jesus might meet me like the disciples, tired from a thankless night’s work and “leave everything at once and follow him”. Truly what joy and peace is there in leaving my boats behind.  

Claire O’Donohue is a current Oxley Passionist Youth Retreat Team member. While also in her final year of university, she is completing her bachelor’s degree with a major in visual art and theology.