When God calls

     What is God calling you to do? Today’s readings give a powerful narrative of calling, transformation, and the profound encounter with God that leads to a mission. Each passage invites us to reflect on our own experiences of divine revelation and the response that follows.
       Isaiah 6:1-8 recounts the prophet Isaiah’s vision of the Lord in the Temple, where he sees the Lord seated on a throne, This moment of divine revelation is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Isaiah’s immediate reaction is one of self-awareness and humility: “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5, NRSV). In the presence of God’s holiness, Isaiah recognizes his own sinfulness. This recognition is crucial; it sets the stage for purification and transformation. The seraph touches Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal, signifying the cleansing of his sins. This act of purification is essential for Isaiah’s readiness to respond to God’s call.  When God asks, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah responds, “Here am I; send me!” (Isaiah 6:8, NRSV). This willingness to serve is a profound testament to the transformative power of an encounter with God. True calling is birthed from an experience of God’s holiness and grace. It challenges us to consider whether  we are willing to acknowledge our shortcomings and allow God to purify us so that we can fulfill our mission.
    1st Corinthians 15:1-11 presents Paul’s account of the resurrection and the appearances of Christ to various witnesses, emphasizing the centrality of the resurrection to the Christian faith. St. Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians of the gospel he preached, which is foundational to their belief. St. Paul’s emphasis on the witnesses—St. Peter, the Twelve, and over five hundred others—underscores the communal aspect of faith and the reality of the resurrection.  St. Paul’s own encounter with the risen Christ is particularly poignant: “Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me” (1 Corinthians 15:8, NRSV). This acknowledgment of his unworthiness and the grace he received serves as a powerful reminder that God’s call is extended even to those who feel least deserving. St. Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle illustrates the radical nature of God’s grace and the transformative power of an encounter with Christ. This passage invites us to reflect on our own experiences of grace and how they propel us into our mission. Just as Isaiah was called after his purification, St. Paul was transformed and sent forth to share the gospel, reminding us that our past does not define our future in Christ.
    Luke 5:1-11 narrates the calling of the first disciples, where Jesus instructs Simon Peter to cast his nets into deep water after a fruitless night of fishing. Despite his initial reluctance, Peter obeys and experiences a miraculous catch of fish. This moment of abundance leads Peter to fall at Jesus’ knees, exclaiming, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8, NRSV). This reaction mirrors Isaiah’s response to God’s holiness. In the presence of Jesus, Peter recognizes his own inadequacy and unworthiness. Yet, rather than being turned away, Peter is called to a new mission: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people” (Luke 5:10, NRSV).  This passage illustrates the transformative nature of Jesus’ call. Peter’s encounter with Jesus not only changes his profession but also his identity and purpose. The call to discipleship is not merely an invitation to follow but a commissioning to participate in God’s work of salvation. The abundance of the catch symbolizes the fruitful mission that awaits those who respond to Jesus’ call.
    Today’s readings emphasize the themes of divine revelation, transformation, and mission. Each encounter with God leads to a deeper understanding of self and a willingness to respond to God’s call. Isaiah’s vision in the Temple, Paul’s encounter with the risen Christ, and Peter’s miraculous catch of fish all reveal the profound grace that empowers us to serve. As we reflect on these passages, we are invited to consider how we respond to God’s call in our lives. Are we open to the transformative power of His presence? Are we willing to acknowledge our shortcomings and embrace the mission He sets before us? Ultimately, these readings remind us that in our encounters with God, we find our true identity and purpose, called to be instruments of His love and grace in the world.