The reading gives reason to live our faith with sincerity. At a time when the Colossian converts were disturbed by conflicting teachings, St Paul informed them that he prays for them that they might reach the fullest knowledge of God's will through perfect wisdom and spiritual understanding.

This perfect wisdom is what Jesus taught from Peter's boat. His boat has since become a fitting symbol both of the teaching authority of the Church and of a tempest-tossed Church which, through the ages, has survived schism, heresy and persecution. Jesus promised that the gates of hell would never prevail against her, and that the Holy Spirit would teach her all things, and that He Himself would be with her all the days even to the consummation of the world. Thus, the miraculous draught of fishes confirmed the authenticity of Jesus' teaching that the Church was for all peoples. It was on this occasion that the apostles responded to the call to become fishers of men.

Our own attitude should be that of unswerving loyalty to the teaching of the Church. In our local church group, let us with gratitude for the faith we have received help spread the Good News.