There seems to be a common thread linking all three of today’s Scriptures.
I feel the theme that shines through in all three readings today is our total and absolute unworthiness in the face of the greatness and holiness of God! Only after Isaiah's sins have been removed (1st reading) is he enabled to respond to the Lord's call to pass on the word of God. St. Paul (2nd reading) is very aware of his own sinfulness and his role in persecuting Christians. However, part of his humility is being able to accept the reality of being cleansed by God, recognising that all is pure grace. Finally, St. Peter (Lk 5:1-11) becomes acutely aware of his unworthiness in the presence of the Lord, who facilitated the awesome miracle of the great catch of fish.
Following Jesus requires recognising our own sinfulness, but it also involves trusting in God's goodness and ability to use even sinners like us as instruments of his divine action. Just like St. Paul, we have received great Traditions; now it is our responsibility to pass them on, just as he did, and to hold fast to his teachings. To proclaim the Good News is the greatest and most wonderful responsibility in which a baptised Christian can become engaged.
It is this proclamation, this evangelisation for focus this week. Consider: one way that I can help another person (someone I know or someone outside of my normal sphere of living) to experience who God is before next Sunday? Like Isaiah, Paul and Peter, we need to confess our arrogance, our shyness, our fear or whatever; and then choose someone to befriend, with the love of the power of God who is in each one of us.
When we admit God’s fascinating and mysterious presence, we discover our own unimportance, and respond as did, Isaiah, Paul and Peter. If we confess our sinfulness and dependency on God, he will be able to free us and use us.
I feel the theme that shines through in all three readings today is our total and absolute unworthiness in the face of the greatness and holiness of God! Only after Isaiah's sins have been removed (1st reading) is he enabled to respond to the Lord's call to pass on the word of God. St. Paul (2nd reading) is very aware of his own sinfulness and his role in persecuting Christians. However, part of his humility is being able to accept the reality of being cleansed by God, recognising that all is pure grace. Finally, St. Peter (Lk 5:1-11) becomes acutely aware of his unworthiness in the presence of the Lord, who facilitated the awesome miracle of the great catch of fish.
Following Jesus requires recognising our own sinfulness, but it also involves trusting in God's goodness and ability to use even sinners like us as instruments of his divine action. Just like St. Paul, we have received great Traditions; now it is our responsibility to pass them on, just as he did, and to hold fast to his teachings. To proclaim the Good News is the greatest and most wonderful responsibility in which a baptised Christian can become engaged.
It is this proclamation, this evangelisation for focus this week. Consider: one way that I can help another person (someone I know or someone outside of my normal sphere of living) to experience who God is before next Sunday? Like Isaiah, Paul and Peter, we need to confess our arrogance, our shyness, our fear or whatever; and then choose someone to befriend, with the love of the power of God who is in each one of us.
When we admit God’s fascinating and mysterious presence, we discover our own unimportance, and respond as did, Isaiah, Paul and Peter. If we confess our sinfulness and dependency on God, he will be able to free us and use us.
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