1st Reading, Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8
Sunday’s first reading originates on the first part of Isaiah’s book, which reflects on Isaiah’s receiving the call to become a prophet, and on Isaiah’s call to the people and to the leaders of Judah, to become righteous and just. Isaiah warns the people, that failure to follow God’s will, can lead to the destruction of Judah.
Although Isaiah hears God’s call to become a prophet, he fears that his shortcomings would not allow him to do a good job. Upon hearing God’s seraphim singing a song of glory to God, Isaiah’s doubts soar like foam on a river rapid. He feels very unprepared. He fears that he is not ready for the task. The seraphim clean Isaiah’s lips with hot coal leaving him free of his impurities and ready to initiate his path as a warrior of God.
When God chooses His prophets, He is well aware of their histories, of their talents, and their sins. God, the Almighty, is our creator, and like such, knows our pasts fully well. When one of us is chosen to become a warrior of God, we are not chosen in error. God, in choosing us, is not making a mistake. He knows us inside and out; He knows us from before our conception, and if in doubt, ask Jeremiah “before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” God knows our thoughts, what is inside our hearts, our worries, and our delights.
God is all perfection, and He knows what He is doing when He chooses His prophets. In His infinite wisdom, He knows that the chosen ones will be able to step up to the plate, representing and defending the Kingdom of God with true and profound faith.
May we be able to share the same certainty that God has in us when he chooses his prophets.
** ! *****2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians, 15: 1-11
Sunday’s second reading introduces us to Paul’s firm believe in God’s resurrection, which in turn will be followed by the resurrection of all the ones who lead their lives within God’s path.
After having presented the beautiful writing about the importance of love, Paul now reminds us that it is this true love for God, the reason why we must believe in the resurrection of the Christ. Because it is for His deep love of this world that Jesus gave up his own life, and for the same reason He came back from the dead: to ensure us that, upon leading a Christian life, we too will be able to share eternal life in Heaven, in the company of God.
We are called to serve Jesus, just like Paul was; like Jeremiah and like Isaiah. Our sins are forgiven and with a clean slate we are called to the service of the Lord. Let us rejoice in the fact that we have been called… Let us rejoice in the fact that we have heard the call… Let us act upon it... Let us become what we are called to be: the defenders of the Kingdom of God.
***** ! ***** ! ***** ! ***** ! ***** ! ***** ! ***** ! ***** ! ***** ! ***** ! ***** ! *****The Gospel according to Luke, 5:1-11
Sundays’ Gospel, like the 1st and 2nd readings, is about a “call”: the call from God.
At the end of a work day, tired fishermen meet with Jesus at Lake Gennesaret. Despite all their efforts throughout the day, their fishing nets are empty. Jesus tells them where to move their boats and when to cast their nets. With great faith and as an example of remarkable humility, Simon does as Jesus instructs them. Lo and behold! The catch is so successful that their boats are at risk of sinking.
As children we know that is our duty to listen and to follow our parent’s orders. As we grow up and mature in age and understanding, it becomes harder to si
mply follow someone’s instructions. We know better; we are now developed individuals with minds and ideas of our own, so listening to someone’s instructions is no longer an easy thing to do.
On this particular day, a faithful and seasoned Simon leads by example, trusting and believing in Jesus’ guidance on how to perform a task that Simon has been doing for years. Simon, though an experienced fisherman, puts aside his own fishing experience. Instead, and showing no hesitation -just guided with faith and humility-, Simon does as Jesus tells him.
Our lives are like Simon’s fishing experience. We know them well; we have a plan for the future. And then, one unexpected day, Jesus starts to show signs of His presence on our path, He asks us to openly share the road with Him. Responding accordingly might not be an easy thing to do and yet, if we, by simple faith, decide to listen and to follow Jesus’ instructions, we can be sure that the road can only lead to eternal life in the company of our Lord.
May we be open to the call of God... May we hear it and respond to it, with faith, like Simon.
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