There are three scripture readings that are a part of a Catholic mass, an Old Testament reading, a letter from the New Testament, and a Gospel reading. Sometimes, I struggle to see the connection among them all, but last Sunday's reading flowed perfectly together!
Father Zach called it "Calling Sunday", and quite appropriately so.
We began with Isaiah's call to prophecy, where we learn of his reluctance. We hear:
Father Zach called it "Calling Sunday", and quite appropriately so.
We began with Isaiah's call to prophecy, where we learn of his reluctance. We hear:
"Then I said, “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips...
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember that he had taken with tongs from the altar.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?'
'Here I am,' I said; 'send me!'" - Isaiah 6:3-8
Isaiah knew how unworthy he was of the tremendous call to be a prophet of the Lord. He essentially tells the angels, "Look, guys, this is a terrible idea! I've made some mistakes in my past and I'm just not right for this!" But after an angel purifies his mouth, Isaiah accepts God's call, and goes on to prophesy the coming of Christ.
We then move to the New Testament to a letter written by St. Paul to the early Church in Corinth. Paul was once so against the Christian Faith that he sought them out to publicly persecute them. To him, Jesus' followers were traitors to their Jewish heritage and faith and deserved death.
He was one bad dude, but God had big plans for him. Paul tells the Corinthians,
We then move to the New Testament to a letter written by St. Paul to the early Church in Corinth. Paul was once so against the Christian Faith that he sought them out to publicly persecute them. To him, Jesus' followers were traitors to their Jewish heritage and faith and deserved death.
He was one bad dude, but God had big plans for him. Paul tells the Corinthians,
"For I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective.
Indeed, I have toiled harder than all of them; not I, however, but the grace of God that is with me.
Therefore, whether it be I or they, so we preach and so you believed." - 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Paul's conversion story proves God's unconditional grace and powerful pull on our souls. Regardless of our past mistakes, His plan for us is perfect and unstoppable if we accept it.
Finally, we meet up with Simon Peter, James, and John on the banks of the Sea of Galilee. They have returned to shore after a long, unproductive night of fishing and are mending their nets in order to prepare for the coming night's work. Jesus approaches them,
Finally, we meet up with Simon Peter, James, and John on the banks of the Sea of Galilee. They have returned to shore after a long, unproductive night of fishing and are mending their nets in order to prepare for the coming night's work. Jesus approaches them,
"...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.' - Luke 5:1-11
Peter was frustrated that day, but his heart was open to Jesus' suggestion. Out they row again, this time bringing in more fish than their boat can carry. At this point, Peter's heart stirs and he realizes that he is in the presence of no mere man. He tells Jesus, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" Christ replies simply, "Do not be afraid. For you will now be catching men."
We may feel unworthy of our calling. But the work of God does not depend upon the worthiness of the person, it depends on God's grace.
God calls on ordinary days to ordinary people. Not just to the holy and righteous, but to the lowly and sinful.
Be ready to listen and follow your call.
We may feel unworthy of our calling. But the work of God does not depend upon the worthiness of the person, it depends on God's grace.
God calls on ordinary days to ordinary people. Not just to the holy and righteous, but to the lowly and sinful.
Be ready to listen and follow your call.