Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8 - 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 - Luke 5:1-11

Today’s first reading speaks those important words that even today are
relevant: “Whom shall I send…?” followed by the response, “Here I am….send me!”
Jesus is always asking that important question, whom shall I send, for with the passing of time there always arises the need for faithful followers willing to do God’s work, specific to the needs of the moment. So, “here I am…send me” is a timeless response instilled in our souls by the Holy Spirit, when God asks the question, whom shall I send?
Following Paul in the second reading, we are shown that, if he could be transformed from persecutor to apostle through God’s grace, we too can be transformed. The challenge is not to get lost in our guilt and perceived unworthiness, but rather to humbly accept God’s grace and become what he needs us to be.
All of this can sound so big; being called, being sent. Called where? Sent where? For most of us it is small and simple. Being called to a certain neighborhood, school, or possibly to a certain position or relationship. No bigness there and yet God transforms lives by the subtlest of means, by the most delicate of encounters. No fanfare or elaborate ceremonies, just everyday occurrences of kindness and caring; seeing a need and trying to meet that need.
Luke’s gospel today is a perfect example. Jesus needed a comfortable place from which to preach. The crowd was pressing in on him and so he asked Simon (Peter) if he could borrow his boat. Jesus then instructed him “to put out a short distance from the shore…. he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.” He sat down and then taught the crowds! I can picture Jesus sitting in this small boat preaching his message in comfort with ease and confidence. I imagine his legs and feet were tired from all the standing he did while on shore. So human, yet so divine.
Afterward, Jesus showed himself to Simon through the miracle of the massive catch of fish. He wanted Simon’s attention and Simon realized the enormity of what just happened and responded with humility, acknowledging his sinfulness.
Then Jesus called him and the others to be fishers of men (women). “They left everything and followed him.”
The readings today offer an opportunity to reflect on where I am and what I am doing. As a retired person, my life is simple, but offers freedom and occasion to be sent where God would have me go. Unencumbered by work and family responsibilities, I can say here I am, send me, in ways I never could before.
To each stage in life comes particular opportunities to say "Here I am Lord. Send me." Today’s readings offer some guidance when we are faced with our where, what and why. None of us will probably ever experience a massive catch, but each one of us is capable and needed to be fishers of one.
Peggy Roach, Associate
Comments