WSC Reflection Guide (for February 14, 2025 BLDLV P&W)

WE ARE CALLED TO HOLY AND TO BE FISHERS OF MEN!

Word Sharing Circle (WSC) Reflection Guide

February 9, 2025 (Cycle C, Yr. I) – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Community Word: The love of God purifies us to a life of holiness.

Theme: We are purified to be holy when we preach and witness to the word of God.

Promise: “The Lord will complete what he has done for me; your kindness, O Lord, endures forever…” (Ps 138:8) 

Reflection

Our theme this week reminds us that we are purified to be holy when we preach and witness to the word of God. God calls us to holiness through Christ. We ought to take Jesus as the sole master of our life and allow him to guide and instruct us the way to a richer, fuller, more abundant life, by the path of faith, hope and love. 

“Put out into the deep…” This biblical passage gives the scenario that in order for us to receive God’s graces, we should not remain comfortable where we are, by the shore on shallow waters as mere onlookers, but stay by the side of Jesus as active participants in the daily rhythm of everyday life. 

We take the case of the fishermen, Simon Peter and his companions. Though familiar with the sea where to fish, they failed on their own effort. Imagine Jesus, a carpenter, instructing the fisherman where to fish! But because of Peter’s humble obedience to the instruction of Jesus, they were able to haul a large catch to the point that their fishing nets were breaking. Witnessing the miracle, Peter got down on his knees and declared, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man,” (Lk 5: 8b). 

Jesus took this encounter as the opportune time to announce to Peter and the other apostles, “From now on you would be catching men,” (Lk 5:10b). From a mere physical perspective, on that fateful day along the Lake of Gennesaret, the ‘whole truth’ takes on a highly spiritual significance: a self-proclaimed sinful fisherman was entrusted with the most important responsibility of taking the helm in building the kingdom of God here on earth. 

This means that when we humbly recognize our own wretchedness, weakness and helplessness before God, we would never fail in our endeavors even amidst all odds. Without God we can do nothing, but with Him we can do the impossible. If we keep the Lord ever in our heart and mind in all things that we do, we glorify Him and He will bestow us the graces in all things. In faith, whatever God wills is always the best and perfect way to go. The challenge is how to discover and heed God’s plan, day in and day out, even if what He inspires in us may seem illogical or “out of this world,” but eventually, will redound to His praise and glory. 

Destined to be sent on a mission, Isaiah witnessed the blessed in heaven before the throne of God, angels singing eternally “Holy, holy, holy.” We recall the Church’s teaching on purgatory. Since only the pure are admitted in heaven, Isaiah’s mouth had to be purged to be worthy to speak God’s message as he was to be sent to the people of Israel. Every single one of us already existed in the mind of God for all eternity. No one is an accident; all of us are born into this world for a purpose. Each is a piece, as it were, that completes a wonderful mosaic, God, who is Love designed for His pleasure and glory. 

From the time of our Father in faith, Abraham, until the end of age, our Lord promised to be with us to accompany us in our perilous journey while on earth. The prophet Isaiah, the apostles, Saints Peter and Paul, were called, sent and endowed with graces to fulfill their respective mission in the master plan of God. We are not exempted as baptized Catholic Christians. “Be holy, for I am holy,” says the Lord. And our response will be that of Isaiah, “Here I am, send me,” (Is 6:8b). 

Our moment is in the here and now; we are to proclaim in word and deed that Jesus Christ is Lord. In the daily grind of life, in fulfilling our mission, the Lord is always faithful to His promise, “The Lord will complete what He has done for me; your kindness, O Lord, endures forever,” (Ps 138:8). 

Prayer

Lord, I am convinced that You love me and that You created me for a very special reason. Keep me in the palm of Your hand for without you, I can do nothing. Grant me the grace that Your holy Will may be fulfilled in me. For Your greater glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen. Mary, our Mother and Queen, pray for us. 

Reflection Guide Question:

1. Reflect on your own purpose in life. What is God’s plan for you and how do you go about fulfilling the mission that God is asking you to fulfill? 

2. What are the difficulties you have encountered in being prepared and well-equipped ‘fishers of men’? How did you overcome these challenges? 

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:

February 9, 2025 (Sun) - Is 6:1, 2, 3-8/Ps 138:1-8/1Cor 15:1-11/Lk 5:1-11

February 10, 2025 (Mon) - Gn 1:1-19/Ps 104:1, 2, 5, 6, 10, 12, 24, 35/Mk 6:53-56

February 11, 2025 (Tue) - Gn 1:20-2:4/Ps 8:4-9/Mk 7:1-13, or Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial – Is 66:10-14/ Jdt 13:18, 19/ Jn 2:1-11

February 12, 2025 (Wed) - Gn 2:4-9, 15-17/Ps 104:1-2a, 27-30/Mk 7:14-23

February 13 2025 (Thu) - Gn 2:18-25/Ps 1-5/Mk 7:24-30

February 14, 2025 (Fri) - Gn 3:1-8/Ps 32:1, 2, 5-7/Mk 7:31-37

February 15, 2025 (Sat) –Gn 3:9-24/Ps 90:2,3-6,12,13/Mk 8:1-10 

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ.  Read your Bible daily!” 

Council of Servant Leaders

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Alfred S. Kudemus

CSL Secretariat

BLD Catholic Charismatic Covenant Community

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16