This Sunday our Scripture readings teach us how God's call often comes in unexpected ways, requiring us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. Isaiah, Paul, and the disciples all experienced a profound sense of unworthiness in the face of the divine. Yet, they responded with courage and obedience, trusting in God's grace and power. It may take us time to answer God's call, but rest assured that God is persistent!
Netting a Miracle: Answering God's Call
Dear Siblings in Christ, this Sunday we delve into the profound experience of encountering the divine and the transformative power of answering God's call. Our readings from Isaiah, Corinthians, and Luke paint a vivid picture of this journey, revealing the awe-inspiring presence of God, the unexpected nature of His call, and the life-altering obedience it demands.
Isaiah's Vision: Isaiah's vision in the temple transports us to a realm of holiness and majesty. The seraphim, with their six wings and unceasing praise, declare the threefold holiness of God. This encounter with the divine leaves Isaiah overwhelmed, acutely aware of his own unworthiness. Yet, it is in this moment of vulnerability that God's cleansing and commissioning occur. The burning coal removes Isaiah's iniquity, and the voice from heaven asks, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Isaiah's response, "Here am I! Send me," marks the beginning of his prophetic ministry.
Paul's Reminder: In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds us of the foundational truth of the Gospel: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was resurrected. This message, received and passed on, forms the bedrock of our faith. Paul, who once persecuted Christians, received a dramatic call on the road to Damascus. He acknowledges his own unworthiness, considering himself the least of the apostles. Yet, it is by God's grace that he became a powerful instrument in spreading the Gospel.
The Call of the Disciples:Luke's Gospel presents us with the call of the first disciples. Jesus, after teaching the crowds, steps into Simon Peter's boat and instructs him to put out into deep water for a catch. Despite their unsuccessful night of fishing, Peter obeys. The result is an astonishing miracle – a net-breaking, boat-sinking catch of fish. This overwhelming display of God's power leads Peter to fall at Jesus' knees, recognizing his own sinfulness. Jesus' response, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people," signifies a new calling, a new purpose for their lives.
Answering God’s Call: When God calls, and God always calls, what is our own response? Are we willing to say, "Here am I! Send me," even when faced with challenges and uncertainties? Are we willing to step out in faith, trusting that God will equip us for the task?
Just as Isaiah's lips were cleansed, Paul was transformed, and the disciples were given a new mission, God desires to work in and through us. He calls us to be His witnesses, to share the good news of salvation, and to participate in His redemptive work in the world.
Let us respond to His call with open hearts and willing spirits, knowing that He will empower us to "catch people" for His kingdom.
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