“God catches the wise in their own ruses; the Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.”

Today, the Word of God reminds us that true wisdom begins with humility before God. Saint Paul tells us, “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool, so as to become wise.” The wisdom of this world often teaches us to depend on our intelligence, achievements, status, and possessions. But God's wisdom teaches us to recognize that everything belongs to God and that we belong to Christ. In the Gospel, Peter had worked all night and caught nothing. As an experienced fisherman, he could have dismissed Jesus' instruction to put out into the deep. But Peter humbly said, “At your command I will lower the nets.” His obedience opened the door to an extraordinary catch. Peter discovered that human experience and strength are never greater than God's wisdom. The same humility is seen in Saint Gregory the Great. Though he became Pope and was one of the great teachers of the Church, Gregory understood that leadership in the Church is not about personal glory or power. It is about serving God and His people. His life reminds us that the greatest wisdom is not knowing everything but knowing that we need God. Psalm 24 asks, “Who may stand in his holy place?” The answer is the one whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, and who does not desire what is vain. The Christian must therefore examine the things we sometimes consider important: recognition, wealth, influence, success, or the praise of others. These things are temporary. Only God remains. Jesus tells Peter, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” Peter left everything and followed Christ. Today, Jesus also calls each of us to put out into the deep, to trust Him beyond our calculations, fears, and limitations. Let us therefore not rely only on our own wisdom. Let us listen to Christ, obey His word, and allow Him to lead our lives. When we surrender our plans to God, He can accomplish through us what we could never accomplish by ourselves.