When God Chooses the Unworthy

Have you ever felt unworthy of something great? Maybe you’ve doubted your abilities, your past choices, or whether you’re the right person for the task at hand. Today’s readings remind us that throughout history, God has called imperfect, hesitant, and even sinful people to carry out His mission. But He never calls without also equipping. Whether it’s Isaiah, Paul, or Peter, each of them initially responds with fear or a sense of unworthiness—yet God’s grace transforms them into powerful witnesses of His truth.

In the ancient world, divine callings often followed a pattern: an encounter with the divine, a recognition of personal inadequacy, purification, and then a commissioning. We see this clearly in Isaiah 6, where the prophet trembles before God’s majesty, crying out, “Woe is me, I am doomed!” before being purified by the burning ember. In the Gospel of Luke, Peter reacts in the same way, falling at Jesus’ knees and exclaiming, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Paul, too, acknowledges his past failures in 1 Corinthians, calling himself “the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle.” But God does not leave them in their unworthiness—He cleanses, calls, and commissions them for His purpose.

These readings remind us that God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Just as Isaiah becomes a bold prophet, Paul a tireless evangelist, and Peter the rock of the Church, we too are invited to step into God’s plan despite our weaknesses. What is God calling you to today? Are you hesitant because you feel unworthy? If so, take heart—God’s grace is greater than our doubts. When He calls, our only response needs to be the one Isaiah gave: “Here I am… send me!”

First Reading – Isaiah 6:1-8

From Trembling to Trust: When God Calls, He Purifies

The prophet Isaiah’s vision of the Lord is one of the most powerful call narratives in Scripture, revealing the overwhelming majesty of God and the transformation that takes place when He calls someone to His service. The Book of Isaiah is one of the most significant prophetic books of the Old Testament, filled with messages of judgment, hope, and restoration. Written during a turbulent period in Israel’s history, it spans from the reign of King Uzziah through the exile and beyond. In today’s passage, Isaiah finds himself in the presence of God, witnessing the seraphim proclaim “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!”—a declaration that emphasizes the absolute holiness of God, a key theme in Jewish religious understanding. This encounter is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, as Isaiah immediately recognizes his unworthiness. Yet, God does not leave him in his inadequacy. Instead, He purifies him, preparing him to be a prophet. This moment of cleansing and commissioning perfectly aligns with today’s theme: when God calls, He also equips.

Isaiah 6:1-8
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

The Sending of Isaiah. ¹ In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, with the train of his garment filling the temple. ² Seraphim were stationed above; each of them had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they hovered. ³ One cried out to the other:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!
    All the earth is filled with his glory!”

⁴ At the sound of that cry, the frame of the door shook and the house was filled with smoke.
⁵ Then I said, “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” ⁶ Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember which he had taken with tongs from the altar.
⁷ He touched my mouth with it. “See,” he said, “now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.”
⁸ 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!”

Exegesis of Isaiah 6:1-8

Verse 1: “In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, with the train of his garment filling the temple.”
The mention of King Uzziah’s death places this vision around 740 B.C., a time of political instability and uncertainty in Judah. Uzziah had been a strong ruler, and his passing marked a transition. Isaiah’s vision reassures the people that while earthly kings rise and fall, God remains sovereign. The imagery of God’s throne and His garment filling the temple highlights His supreme majesty and presence, which far surpasses any earthly ruler.

Verse 2: “Seraphim were stationed above; each of them had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they hovered.”
The seraphim, heavenly beings whose name means “burning ones,” signify the holiness of God. Their posture—covering their faces and feet—demonstrates profound reverence. Even these sinless creatures cannot gaze upon God’s full glory, which speaks to the infinite distance between the Creator and His creation.

Verse 3: “One cried out to the other: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!’”
This triple repetition of holy is unique in Scripture and signifies absolute, complete holiness. The phrase “Lord of hosts” emphasizes God’s command over heavenly and earthly armies. This proclamation, echoed in the Mass during the Sanctus, reminds us that God’s holiness is not confined to heaven—it fills the entire earth.

Verse 4: “At the sound of that cry, the frame of the door shook and the house was filled with smoke.”
The trembling doorposts and smoke recall the powerful presence of God at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18). The temple is not just a place of worship; it is where heaven meets earth. This scene underscores the weightiness of divine encounters, where the very structures of the world seem to tremble before God.

Verse 5: “Then I said, ‘Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’”
Isaiah’s reaction is immediate and striking—he is overwhelmed by his unworthiness. Jewish belief held that seeing God meant certain death (Exodus 33:20), and Isaiah, confronted with divine holiness, recognizes his sinfulness. He acknowledges that both he and his people are unclean, unable to stand before a holy God. This mirrors Peter’s reaction in today’s Gospel when he says, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”

Verse 6: “Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember which he had taken with tongs from the altar.”
The use of a burning ember symbolizes purification. The altar, the place of sacrifice, signifies atonement for sin. This act shows that divine cleansing is necessary before Isaiah can serve as God’s messenger.

Verse 7: “He touched my mouth with it. ‘See,’ he said, ‘now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.’”
This moment of purification is both painful and transformative. Isaiah’s lips—previously unclean—are now consecrated for prophetic speech. The removal of sin is not passive; it requires direct intervention from God. This foreshadows the sacrament of Baptism and Reconciliation, where sins are washed away, and even the Eucharist, where our participation in Christ’s body and blood purifies us.

Verse 8: “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 moves from fear to readiness. Once purified, he no longer hesitates but offers himself fully to God’s mission. This verse serves as a model for discipleship—when we are touched by God’s grace, our response must be one of willingness and surrender.

Teachings of the Church

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that divine calling is always accompanied by grace. CCC 2000 states: “Sanctifying grace is a habitual gift, a stable and supernatural disposition that perfects the soul itself to enable it to live with God, to act by his love.” Isaiah’s purification is a clear example of this—his call is not based on his merit but on God’s grace transforming him.

This passage also echoes the Church’s understanding of the prophetic mission. CCC 904 explains: “Christ… fulfills this prophetic office, not only by the hierarchy but also by the laity. To teach in order to lead others to faith is the task of every preacher and of each believer.” Isaiah’s response, “Here I am, send me!”, is an invitation for all Christians to embrace their baptismal call to be witnesses of the Gospel.

Saint Augustine reflects on this passage, emphasizing that true conversion leads to mission: “Give me a heart that loves, and it will understand. The lips must first be cleansed before they proclaim the truth.” Just as Isaiah needed purification, so must we undergo spiritual transformation to effectively carry out God’s work.

Reflection

Isaiah’s call is a reminder that God doesn’t seek perfect people—He seeks willing hearts. How often do we hesitate to step forward because we feel unworthy? Isaiah, Paul, and Peter all felt the same, yet God chose them because of their willingness to surrender. When we encounter God’s holiness, our first instinct might be to withdraw, but He invites us closer, not to condemn but to cleanse and send us forth.

Are there areas in your life where you feel unworthy of God’s calling? Have you resisted a prompting of the Holy Spirit because of self-doubt? Today’s reading invites us to say, “Here I am, Lord.” God is not waiting for perfection—He is waiting for your yes. Let us pray for the courage to respond as Isaiah did, trusting that He will equip us for whatever He asks.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 138

A Grateful Heart Responds to God’s Call

Psalm 138 is a beautiful hymn of thanksgiving attributed to King David, expressing gratitude for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. In ancient Israel, psalms were used in temple worship, and this particular psalm reflects a deep personal acknowledgment of God’s intervention in the psalmist’s life. The setting suggests that the author has experienced deliverance and now stands in awe of God’s greatness. The theme of divine calling is echoed in this psalm, as David, much like Isaiah, recognizes God’s power and responds with thanksgiving. It also connects to today’s Gospel, where Peter, after witnessing Jesus’ miraculous work, falls to his knees in humility. Just as Isaiah and Peter were called despite their unworthiness, Psalm 138 teaches us how to respond—with gratitude, trust, and praise.

Psalm 138
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

Hymn of a Grateful Heart
¹ Of David.

I thank you, Lord, with all my heart;
    in the presence of the angels to you I sing.
² I bow low toward your holy temple;
    I praise your name for your mercy and faithfulness.
For you have exalted over all
    your name and your promise.
³ On the day I cried out, you answered;
    you strengthened my spirit.

⁴ All the kings of earth will praise you, Lord,
    when they hear the words of your mouth.
⁵ They will sing of the ways of the Lord:
    “How great is the glory of the Lord!”
⁶ The Lord is on high, but cares for the lowly
    and knows the proud from afar.
⁷ Though I walk in the midst of dangers,
    you guard my life when my enemies rage.
You stretch out your hand;
    your right hand saves me.
⁸ The Lord is with me to the end.
    Lord, your mercy endures forever.
    Never forsake the work of your hands!

Exegesis of Psalm 138

Verse 1: “I thank you, Lord, with all my heart; in the presence of the angels to you I sing.”
David begins with wholehearted thanksgiving, emphasizing a response that is not half-hearted but complete. The mention of angels (or “gods” in some translations) may refer to the heavenly host or even pagan rulers who would witness God’s supreme power. This verse reminds us that worship is not a private affair—it is a declaration of God’s goodness before all creation.

Verse 2: “I bow low toward your holy temple; I praise your name for your mercy and faithfulness. For you have exalted over all your name and your promise.”
Bowing toward the temple reflects the deep reverence Jewish worshippers had for God’s dwelling place. The reference to God’s name and promise being exalted highlights that His faithfulness is greater than human understanding. In a world of uncertainty, this verse reassures us that God’s word is unshakable.

Verse 3: “On the day I cried out, you answered; you strengthened my spirit.”
This verse testifies to the personal nature of God’s response. He does not merely hear prayers—He answers and strengthens those who call on Him. This aligns with today’s theme, as both Isaiah and Peter experience personal encounters with God that transform them from fear to faith.

Verse 4-5: “All the kings of earth will praise you, Lord, when they hear the words of your mouth. They will sing of the ways of the Lord: ‘How great is the glory of the Lord!’”
David envisions a time when all rulers will recognize God’s supremacy. This prophetic statement foreshadows the spread of the Gospel, when Christ’s message would reach the nations. It also parallels Paul’s declaration in 1 Corinthians, where he proclaims the Gospel to all, despite his past.

Verse 6: “The Lord is on high, but cares for the lowly and knows the proud from afar.”
This verse reflects God’s preference for the humble. While He reigns above, He draws near to the lowly—those who, like Isaiah, Peter, and Paul, acknowledge their dependence on Him. Pride, on the other hand, distances one from God’s presence.

Verse 7: “Though I walk in the midst of dangers, you guard my life when my enemies rage. You stretch out your hand; your right hand saves me.”
David’s confidence in God’s protection echoes throughout Scripture, including Jesus’ words in John 10:28, “No one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” This verse reminds us that following God’s call does not mean an absence of trials, but it does mean divine protection.

Verse 8: “The Lord is with me to the end. Lord, your mercy endures forever. Never forsake the work of your hands!”
The psalm concludes with a powerful affirmation: God’s faithfulness is eternal. Even when we feel inadequate, He never abandons us. This ties back to Isaiah’s response, Paul’s conversion, and Peter’s call—God remains with those He calls.

Teachings of the Church

The Catechism emphasizes that praise and thanksgiving are essential responses to God’s grace. CCC 2637 states: “Thanksgiving characterizes the prayer of the Church which, in celebrating the Eucharist, reveals and becomes more fully what she is… Every event and need can become an offering of thanksgiving.” This psalm reflects this truth—David’s gratitude is a model for how we should respond to God’s call in our own lives.

Saint Augustine, commenting on the nature of gratitude, wrote: “He who sings praise not only sings, but also loves the One he is singing to. Gratitude is the heart’s response to grace.” This echoes the transformation seen in today’s readings—Isaiah, Paul, and Peter all experience God’s grace and respond with their lives. Thanksgiving is not just about words; it is about a life lived in response to God’s mercy.

Historically, Psalm 138 has been a significant part of Jewish and Christian liturgy. It reminds us that worship is not about human effort, but about recognizing God’s faithfulness. This is beautifully illustrated in the Church’s understanding of divine providence. CCC 302 teaches: “God carries out His plan: ‘his wisdom governs the world… He leads his works towards their ultimate perfection for the glory of his name and our good.’” Just as God led Isaiah, Paul, and Peter through their callings, He leads each of us according to His perfect will.

Reflection

Gratitude is one of the most transformative spiritual practices. When we recognize how God has worked in our lives—how He has called, strengthened, and protected us—we cannot help but respond in thanksgiving. David’s psalm is a call to cultivate a heart that sings of God’s goodness, even in difficult seasons.

Do you take time to recognize God’s faithfulness in your life? Do you thank Him not only for the blessings but also for the challenges that refine you? Today’s psalm invites us to respond to God’s call, not with fear, but with trust and praise. As we reflect on the ways He has answered our prayers, let us echo David’s words: “I thank you, Lord, with all my heart!”

Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

By the Grace of God, We Are Called

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is one of his most theologically rich writings, addressing divisions within the Church, moral issues, and core doctrines of the faith. Chapter 15 is particularly significant because it contains one of the earliest recorded creeds of Christianity—the proclamation of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Written around 55 A.D., this passage reflects an era when the early Church was still solidifying its understanding of the Gospel message. Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan city known for its immorality, and Paul’s audience needed constant reminders of the transformative power of grace. In today’s reading, he humbly recounts his unworthiness to be called an apostle, yet acknowledges, “By the grace of God I am what I am.” This ties into the overarching theme of today’s liturgy—God calls the unworthy and equips them for His mission. Just as Isaiah was purified and Peter was commissioned, Paul recognizes that his calling is purely the work of divine grace.

1 Corinthians 15:1-11
New American Bible (Revised Edition)


The Gospel Teaching. ¹ Now I am reminding you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. ² Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. ³ For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures; ⁴ that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures; ⁵ that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. ⁶ After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. ⁷ After that he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. ⁸ Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me. ⁹ For I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. ¹⁰ 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. ¹¹ Therefore, whether it be I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Exegesis of 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Verse 1: “Now I am reminding you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand.”
Paul begins by calling the Corinthians to remember the Gospel, emphasizing that it is the foundation of their faith. The Greek word for “reminding” (gnōrizō) implies more than simple recollection—it means reaffirming a fundamental truth. The phrase “in which you also stand” suggests that the Gospel is not just something they believed once, but something they actively live by.

Verse 2: “Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.”
Here, Paul affirms that salvation is an ongoing process. The verb “being saved” (sōzesthe) is in the present tense, showing that salvation is not a one-time event but a continual journey of perseverance in faith. However, he warns against believing in vain—faith must be accompanied by fidelity to the Gospel.

Verse 3: “For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures.”
Paul presents the core Gospel message, using the phrase “handed on” (paradidōmi), which signifies the transmission of sacred tradition. This is one of the earliest formal creeds, predating even the written Gospels. The phrase “in accordance with the Scriptures” underscores that Christ’s death was not a random event but the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 53:5).

Verse 4: “That he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures.”
The mention of burial affirms the reality of Christ’s death—this was no illusion. The resurrection on the third day echoes prophecies such as Hosea 6:2, which speaks of God reviving His people after two days and raising them on the third.

Verse 5: “That he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.”
Paul provides a list of resurrection witnesses, beginning with Peter (Cephas). In Jewish law, testimony required multiple witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15), and Paul is establishing the credibility of Christ’s resurrection.

Verse 6: “After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.”
The reference to more than five hundred witnesses serves as compelling evidence that the resurrection was not a fabrication. The phrase “most of whom are still living” suggests that Paul is inviting skeptics to verify the claims with living witnesses.

Verse 7: “After that, he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.”
The mention of James is significant because he was not one of the Twelve Apostles but became a leader in the early Church (Acts 15:13-21). This shows that Christ’s resurrection transformed even those who may have initially doubted (John 7:5 suggests that Jesus’ relatives were not always believers).

Verse 8: “Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me.”
Paul refers to himself as “one born abnormally” (ektromati), a Greek word often used for miscarriages or premature births. This likely signifies his dramatic and unexpected conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). Unlike the other apostles, who walked with Jesus before His resurrection, Paul’s encounter with Christ came later, yet it was no less transformative.

Verse 9: “For I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”
Paul’s humility is evident. He acknowledges his past as a persecutor of Christians (Acts 8:3), yet he does not let his unworthiness prevent him from embracing his mission. His transformation exemplifies the power of divine mercy.

Verse 10: “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.”
This verse is a profound testament to grace. Paul recognizes that his apostleship is not earned but given. His hard work in spreading the Gospel is not self-congratulatory; rather, it is a response to grace. This aligns with Jesus’ words in John 15:5: “Apart from me, you can do nothing.”

Verse 11: “Therefore, whether it be I or they, so we preach and so you believed.”
Paul concludes by emphasizing unity in the proclamation of the Gospel. Regardless of who preaches, what matters is that the message remains the same.

Teachings of the Church

The Catechism teaches that faith is both a gift and a response. CCC 1814 states: “Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us, and that Holy Church proposes for our belief, because he is truth itself.” Paul received the Gospel as a sacred tradition and, in turn, passed it on—a model for evangelization.

Grace is central to Paul’s testimony. CCC 1996 affirms: “Our justification comes from the grace of God. Grace is favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God, adoptive sons, partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life.” Just as Paul was transformed by grace, so too are we called to let grace shape our lives.

Saint John Chrysostom reflects on this passage, saying: “Let us not be ashamed of our past sins, for the grace of God is greater. If Paul, once a blasphemer, became an apostle, what can God not do in us?” This echoes the universal message of hope found in today’s readings—God calls the broken and makes them new.

Reflection

Paul’s story is a testament to the transformative power of grace. No one is beyond God’s reach. His past as a persecutor did not disqualify him—rather, it made his testimony even more powerful. Similarly, Isaiah’s unclean lips were purified, and Peter’s fear gave way to discipleship. God does not call the perfect; He perfects those He calls.

Do you ever feel unworthy of God’s mission? Have you let your past define you instead of allowing grace to transform you? Paul reminds us that our worth is not in what we have done, but in what God does through us. Today, let us embrace the words, “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” and allow His grace to shape our journey.

Holy Gospel – Luke 5:1-11

From Fishermen to Fishers of Men: The Call to Radical Discipleship

The Gospel of Luke is known for its emphasis on Jesus’ compassion, mercy, and mission to call sinners to repentance. In today’s passage, we witness the miraculous catch of fish and the calling of Peter, James, and John. This event takes place early in Jesus’ public ministry, at the Lake of Gennesaret (another name for the Sea of Galilee), a vital hub for fishing and commerce in ancient Israel. Fishing was not just a trade but a way of life—long, exhausting work requiring perseverance and patience. Against this backdrop, Jesus enters the lives of ordinary fishermen and transforms their daily routine into a moment of divine encounter. Peter, recognizing Jesus’ power, immediately acknowledges his sinfulness, echoing Isaiah’s reaction in today’s first reading. However, rather than turning Peter away, Jesus reassures him: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” This moment marks a turning point in Peter’s life—he leaves everything behind to follow Christ. This passage perfectly aligns with today’s theme: God calls the unworthy, and through His grace, He transforms them into instruments of His mission.

Luke 5:1-11
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

The Call of Simon the Fisherman. ¹ While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. ² He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. ³ 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. ⁴ After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” ⁵ Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” ⁶ When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. ⁷ They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking. ⁸ When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” ⁹ For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, ¹⁰ and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” ¹¹ When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

Exegesis of Luke 5:1-11

Verse 1: “While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.”
Jesus’ growing popularity is evident as the crowd eagerly listens to His teaching. The phrase “pressing in” suggests not just physical closeness but spiritual hunger—they are drawn to His words. The setting by the lake foreshadows the miraculous catch, which will serve as a sign of the disciples’ future mission.

Verse 2: “He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.”
Washing the nets indicates that the fishermen had finished a long, unsuccessful night’s work. This detail highlights their exhaustion and frustration—yet, in the midst of their daily struggle, Jesus enters their lives.

Verse 3: “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.”
Jesus uses Peter’s boat as a pulpit, a powerful image of how God takes what is ordinary and repurposes it for His divine work. Sitting was the traditional posture of a rabbi when teaching, signaling that He is about to impart wisdom.

Verse 4: “After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.’”
Jesus commands Peter to go into “deep water”, which symbolizes stepping out in faith. The word used for “lower” (chalasate) implies an intentional, purposeful action. This moment foreshadows Peter’s deeper calling—not just to fish, but to trust Jesus fully.

Verse 5: “Simon said in reply, ‘Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.’”
Peter’s response is a mix of doubt and obedience. As a skilled fisherman, he knows that night fishing is more effective, and after an unproductive night, his expectations are low. Yet, he surrenders to Jesus’ word—this is an act of faith, though he does not yet fully understand who Jesus is.

Verse 6: “When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing.”
The miraculous abundance of fish is a physical sign of spiritual fruitfulness. It foreshadows the great multitude of souls that Peter and the apostles will one day bring into the Church. The breaking nets symbolize the overwhelming nature of God’s blessings when we trust Him.

Verse 7: “They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking.”
This verse emphasizes the communal nature of discipleship. Peter cannot handle the catch alone—likewise, evangelization is not a solo endeavor but a mission shared within the Body of Christ.

Verse 8: “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, ‘Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.’”
Peter recognizes his unworthiness, much like Isaiah in the first reading. The phrase “fell at the knees of Jesus” indicates deep humility. His immediate reaction is not excitement over the miracle, but an awareness of his sinfulness in the presence of divine holiness.

Verse 9: “For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him.”
The word “astonishment” (thambos) suggests a mix of awe and fear. This was not just a lucky catch—it was a divine revelation.

Verse 10: “And likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’”
Jesus’ words “Do not be afraid” echo throughout Scripture, particularly in moments of divine calling. The phrase “catching men” (zōgrōn anthrōpous) means not just catching, but bringing to life—Peter’s mission will be to bring souls to salvation.

Verse 11: “When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.”
The disciples’ response is immediate and total. They do not hesitate; they leave behind their livelihood, security, and even their remarkable catch. Their willingness to follow Christ mirrors Isaiah’s response, “Here I am, send me!”

Teachings of the Church

The Catechism teaches that faith requires trust and obedience. CCC 208 states: “Faced with God’s fascinating and mysterious presence, man discovers his own insignificance. Before the burning bush, Moses takes off his sandals and veils his face in the presence of God’s holiness. Before the glory of the thrice-holy God, Isaiah cries out: ‘Woe is me! I am lost.’ Before the divine signs wrought by Jesus, Peter exclaims: ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.’ But because God is holy, he can forgive the man who realizes that he is a sinner before him.”

Evangelization is central to discipleship. CCC 905 teaches: “Lay people also fulfill their prophetic mission by evangelization, that is, the proclamation of Christ by word and the testimony of life. This evangelization… acquires a particular efficacy because it is accomplished in the ordinary circumstances of the world.” Like Peter, we are all called to bring others to Christ, no matter our profession or background.

Saint John Paul II reflected on this passage, saying: “Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors to Christ. He takes nothing away and gives you everything. When we give ourselves to Him, we receive a hundredfold in return.” This speaks directly to the apostles’ response—they left everything, yet gained so much more.

Reflection

This Gospel challenges us to reflect on our willingness to follow Christ. Peter’s journey begins with doubt and hesitation, yet through trust, he experiences a miraculous transformation. Like Peter, we may feel unworthy or incapable, yet Jesus says to us, “Do not be afraid.”

Is there something in your life that you are hesitant to surrender to Christ? Do you trust Him enough to step out into the deep? Today’s reading invites us to say yes to Jesus’ call, knowing that He will equip us for the mission. Let us leave behind whatever holds us back and follow Him wholeheartedly.

Here I Am, Lord: Answering the Call

Today’s readings weave together a powerful message of divine calling, human inadequacy, and the transformative power of God’s grace. Isaiah trembles before the holiness of God, yet after being purified, he responds with the words “Here I am, send me!” Paul, once a persecutor of the Church, recognizes that “by the grace of God, I am what I am,” acknowledging that his mission is not of his own doing but a gift from God. Peter, overwhelmed by the miraculous catch of fish, falls to his knees and confesses his unworthiness, but Jesus reassures him, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” Each of these encounters reflects a truth that applies to all of us—God does not call the perfect, but He perfects those He calls.

Perhaps you have felt unworthy of God’s call, burdened by past failures or doubts. Today’s readings remind us that our unworthiness is not an obstacle—it is the very reason God’s grace is so powerful. He purifies, strengthens, and transforms those who say yes to Him. Isaiah, Paul, and Peter were ordinary, flawed individuals, yet through their willingness to surrender, they became instruments of God’s mission. Their stories challenge us to trust in the Lord’s plan, even when we feel inadequate. What is God calling you to today? Where is He asking you to cast your nets deeper?

The only response God desires from us is a willing heart. He takes care of the rest. Like Isaiah, Paul, and Peter, may we have the courage to say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me!” Let us step out in faith, trusting that God will equip us for whatever He asks. Today, take a moment to pray and listen—His call is waiting for your answer. Will you follow?

Engage with Us!

We’d love to hear your thoughts! How did today’s readings speak to your heart? Have you ever felt unworthy of God’s call, like Isaiah, Paul, or Peter? Share your reflections in the comments and let’s journey together in faith.

Here are some reflection questions to guide your prayer and discussion:

First Reading – Isaiah 6:1-8: Isaiah felt unworthy but responded, “Here I am, send me!” Is there something God is calling you to do that you feel hesitant about? How can you trust in His grace?

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 138: The psalmist gives thanks with all his heart. What are some ways you can cultivate a heart of gratitude in your daily life? How does gratitude help deepen your faith?

Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:1-11: Paul acknowledges his past but embraces his calling through God’s grace. How has God’s grace transformed your life? In what ways is He still working in you?

Holy Gospel – Luke 5:1-11: Peter left everything to follow Jesus. What is Jesus asking you to surrender so that you can follow Him more completely? What is holding you back?

God calls each of us, no matter our weaknesses or doubts, and invites us into a life of mission and purpose. Let’s go forth today with faith, trusting in His plan, and living out His love and mercy in all we do. “Do not be afraid.” May we answer Him with courage, knowing that His grace is always enough!

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