In today’s Scripture, three great figures of faith—Isaiah, Paul, and Peter—experience a decisive encounter with God. Each initially feels unworthy, but the divine call transforms their weakness into mission. This same call is addressed to us: how do we respond to the Lord’s invitation in our lives?
A Divine Call Despite Unworthiness
The liturgy presents three vocation stories that show God chooses whomever He wills, beyond their human frailty.
- Isaiah has a grand vision of God in the Temple and exclaims, “Woe to me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips.” (Is 6:5). Yet, God purifies him and sends him on mission.
- Paul describes himself as an “abnormally born” apostle, unworthy after persecuting the Church. But he humbly acknowledges: “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” (1 Cor 15:10)
- Peter, after witnessing a miraculous catch of fish, falls at Jesus’ feet and cries, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” (Lk 5:8). Yet, Jesus calls him to an even greater mission: to be a fisher of men.
A Radical Transformation
Each of these men encountered God in a life-changing way. In every case, God acted:
- He purified Isaiah.
- He filled Paul with grace.
- He redefined Peter’s mission.
Through them, we see that God does not choose the perfect but transforms those He calls.
A Call for Today
Like Isaiah, Paul, and Peter, we are invited to encounter God, acknowledge our weaknesses, and allow Him to transform us. Will we dare to say: “Here I am, Lord, send me” (Is 6:8)?
Prayer
Lord, You call each of us by name, despite our fragility. Help us to recognize Your voice and respond with faith and courage. Purify our hearts, grant us Your grace, and make us faithful witnesses of Your love.
Amen.
Scripture References
- Is 6:1-2a,3-8
- 1 Cor 15:1-11
- Lk 5:1-11
Gospel of Jesus Christ According to Saint Luke
While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God,
he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.
He saw two boats there alongside the lake;
the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.
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.
After he had finished speaking, 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.”
When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish
and their nets were tearing.
They signaled to their partners in the other boat
to come to help them.
They came and filled both boats
so that the boats were in danger of sinking.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said,
“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”
For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him
and all those with him,
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.”
When they brought their boats to the shore,
they left everything and followed him.
For today’s readings, please refer to Vatican News.
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