All three of the people the Church puts before us in the readings this Sunday are reluctant: the prophet Isaiah, St. Paul, and St. Peter. Yet, they are all chosen by God. Each of them acknowledges his unworthiness and inadequacy and, from a spiritual point of view, this is a good starting point. God knew of their sinfulness – and God chose them in spite of it. Specifically, Jesus knew Peter was “unworthy,” but Jesus chose him anyway showing him what he could accomplish when he did what Jesus asked of him. Isaiah, St. Paul, and St. Peter eventually went on to do great things because they accepted God’s call, and did what He asked.
Let’s not forget that, at each and every Mass, prior to approaching the altar for Communion, we say, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” We admit our unworthiness, just like prophets and Apostles, and we too ask that the Lord forgive us, reconcile us, and lift us up.
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For further reflection on the Gospel (Luke 5, 1-11): We must not miss the fact that Jesus began His mission and chose as His followers these fishermen, working people! He did not call priests from the Temple, or the rich and famous. He did not build this Church on people who were somehow especially gifted, powerful, or “special” in any way, except in their humility. He chose “real” people, simple workers who were not even especially great at what they were doing … after all, they had fished all night and caught nothing.
The Lord still chooses real people, humble people, and sinners. He chooses us! There is no time to look around and see if He is looking for someone else. He is not! The very Good News in all of this is that we all need someone who accepts us for who and what we are, but still believes we can do more and challenges us to realize our potential. This is exactly what Jesus Christ does for us: He accepts just as we are, right now, and He asks for more. In the end, the quality of our lives is not measured by what is given to us, as much as it is measured by what is asked of us – and how we respond.
Let us pray. “Lord God, no thought of ours is left unguarded by you, no prayer is left unheard by you, and no joy in our lives is left unrecognized by you. You are so good and gracious to us. You have called us and we belong to you. Help us to treasure the gift of your love and, in turn, share it with all whom we meet. Through Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you forever and ever. Amen.”
