PROVIDER

Prayer 9/5/2019

I hope all the boards in the classroom are displaying an image I captured at the Port of
Galilee, Rhode Island.

IMG_6949.jpg

I have been meaning to speak this prayer for almost two years now.
This morning presented a clear opportunity because of today’s gospel.
I suppose that is an example of Kairos.

Let us remember we are in the holy presence of a loving God.

Luke writes at the start of chapter 5
That Jesus:
Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon,
he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore.
Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,
“Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”
Simon said in reply,
“Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,
but at your command I will lower the nets.”
When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish
and their nets were tearing.

Brooklyn_Museum_-_The_Miraculous_Draught_of_Fishes_(La_pêche_miraculeuse)_-_James_Tissot_-_overall.jpg
They signaled to their partners in the other boat
to come to help them.
They came and filled both boats
so that the boats were in danger of sinking.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said,
“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”
For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made, seized him,
and all those with him,
Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid;
from now on you will be catching people.”
When they brought their boats to the shore,
they left everything and followed him.

Image result for clip art jesus and fishing
I have great love for this Gospel. Mostly because I love boats and being on
the water with all my heart. One of my favorite things about living in
Rhode Island is that I believe we are especially well equipped to
understanding the teachings of Jesus. He spent so much time on the water,
at the beach, on boats and around fishermen. And he used tangible
experiences from these people lives to help teach us all how to live.
Considering we are all returning from a summer break I ask the community
to take just a moment to think about what if anything you have learned
about others and what you have learned about yourselves while being on
the coast over the past few months. Think about your favorite beach day,
spending time with friends and family out on the water, a perfect day of
fishing or a delicious seafood meal. Were you able to catch any sunsets
where you were struck by the presence of God?

Image result for clip art beach sunset

I also love this gospel because we encounter that exact moment when
Simon Peter is converted to being a true follower of Jesus Christ. Luke says
that Simon Peter and those with him were “seized.”
For all in our community who struggle with their faith and spiritual life,
take relief that if you open your hearts and minds to those around you, at
any given moment you too could have a transformational experience that
will alter forever the way you journey on this earth. It will likely be at the
moment you are most in need and are least expecting the Grace of God.

Image result for clip art simon peter and Jesus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let us Pray

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will
through all spiritual wisdom and understanding
strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might,
for all endurance and patience,
with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share
in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.

Saint John Baptist de La Salle…
Pray for Us.
Live Jesus in Our Hearts…
Forever!

Prayer offered by faculty member:  Mark Carty, Social Studies teacher