Presence of Jesus

Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul, 04 September 2025
Thursday in the Twenty-Second Week of Ordinary Time, Year I
Colossians 1:9-14     <*((((><  +  ><))))*>     Luke 5:1-11

Today's gospel story
of your first meeting with
Simon reminds me 
of how your presence
made a difference in my life
when I finally said "yes" 
to your call
to give my vocation 
to the priesthood
a second chance in 1991 
when I resigned from my job 
to enter the seminary again;
it was pure joy at first that later
became more intense,
more deep and wonderful 
as the going got tough and rough;
it was never easy following you, 
Jesus but you have never forsaken me
since then until now though many times
I have balked and even backed out
from you as you kept telling me
those same words you told Simon,
"Do not be afraid" (Luke 5:10).

Fill me, Jesus,
"with the knowledge of God's will
through all spiritual wisdom 
and understanding to walk 
in a manner worthy of the Lord,
so as to be fully pleasing,
in every good work 
bearing fruit nd growing 
in the knowledge of God"
(Colossians 1:9-10);
teach me to trust you more 
by surrendering, giving up
my total self to you 
so that I may continue 
casting my net into the deep;
though I have given up a lot,
I still feel I have not given up
that much of myself to you -
take away from me, Jesus
whatever I still hold on deep inside, 
help me surrender
myself to you totally so that 
I may know you more clearly,
love you more dearly,
follow you most closely daily
for it is in your presence 
when I am most fulfilled.
Amen.