(1st Reading, Is. 6:1-2, 3-8; 2nd Reading, 1 Cor. 15:1-11; Gospel, Luke 5:1-11)
Dear brothers and sisters, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).
GOD'S CALL TO MISSION
The text of today's first reading is about the call of Isaiah to the prophetic ministry (Is. 6:1-2,3-8). In his vision, Isaiah saw the Lord seated on high and the Seraphim stationed and singing, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts! He recognized his unworthiness and thought of himself as being doomed because he was a man of unclean lips. But after he was purified and purged of his sins and wickedness by the action of the Seraphim, he was ready to answer, "Here I am, send me!"
In a similar way, we read in the Gospel about the call of Simon in his duty post (Lk. 5:1-11). Luke presented a remarkable interaction between Our Lord Jesus Christ and Simon. Jesus asked Simon to "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon, who had labored all night and caught nothing but trusting in Jesus, said, "Master, … at your command, I will lower the nets". He made a great catch to the point that the boats were in danger of sinking. Seeing this amazing act from the Lord, Simon was moved to confess his sinfulness.
But the miracle of the great catch was a symbolism of some sort. It was meant to define Simon and his partners' new mission. Jesus didn't waste time revealing the inherent meaning of what He had just done and what has been accomplished by simply obeying His order or command. Thus, He said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on, you will be catching men".
GOD IS NOT FRIGHTENED OFF BY OUR UNWORTHINESS
It is interesting to note the similarities of Isaiah's call and reaction in the first reading and Simon's in the Gospel. Both Isaiah and Simon were aware of their unworthiness and sinfulness. Isaiah realizes he was a man of unclean lips, and Simon confesses he was a sinful man. In response to their reactions, God and, indeed, Jesus Christ teaches us that He is not frightened off by sin and unworthiness. He is capable of doing anything in our lives. He can purify and make the unfit fit to transmit His message. To Isaiah, He made a great Prophet, and to Simon, He made a Solid rock for His Church.
One important message God has for us today is that we should not allow our unworthiness, impurity, and sinfulness to discourage us from carrying out the ministry and mission He has for us. Concentrating on our feelings of unworthiness might be a ploy from the devil to scare us away from doing something for God. We should realize that the devil has 'first class' in accusing the children of God. He accuses us day and night before God (Rev. 12:10). God does not choose or call the qualified. Strictly speaking, no person is suitable or qualified because of our sinful nature. God qualifies the chosen and the called. Our being found worthy is God's grace. St. Paul drives this point home when he says in the second reading, "For I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle because I persecuted the Church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am (1 Cor. 15: 1-11). This is a victory song that we can sing with St. Paul. We are who we are by the grace of God.
Always remember that Jesus loves you!