(Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8; Ps 138(137); 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11)
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​Theme: Unworthy, Yet Commissioned for His Mission
Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that the Lord is touched by our infirmities but will not depart from us. Hence, today’s Psalmist says, “With your right hand you save me; O LORD, your merciful love is eternal; discard not the work of your hands.” Thus, in the words of St. Paul, we are not discarded; instead, by the touch of His Word, we are saved [to] stand firm.
And so, my brothers and sisters, although our unworthiness makes us undeserving of the saving touch of God’s right hand and of being called His adopted children by His gracious saving strength, we are what and who we are today in our families, communities, and state of life.
In other words, like Prophet Isaiah, we were once lost and fallen but not discarded. We live in a world of men and women of unclean lips and amongst friends of unclean lips, but by faith in Christ, we are granted mercy and saved daily by His word. Thus, we are not overwhelmed by pains of guilt and regret for by God’s grace, our guilt disappears, and our prayers are answered.
Hence, we must thank the Lord for His merciful love and faithfulness. We must live in this moment believing, like Prophet Isaiah and St Paul, that the Lord has not finished with us and that we have more incredible things to achieve in His Name.
Thus, to step out of the shadows of the consequences of our failures and inadequacies, we must pray and ask the Lord today to increase the strength of our souls. In today’s Gospel, the Lord’s words strengthened Simon Peter's and his companions' hearts. Hence, they stopped nagging, followed the Lord’s instruction, cast their nets into the deep and caught many fish.
Isaiah 55:8ff reminds us that the Lord’s thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways. Hence, we must tremble before the Lord when we are gathered, for despite our frailties, He answers us and is willing to send us out for His salvific mission. Peter says, “Depart from me . . . I am sinful,” and the Lord says, “Do not be afraid. . . you will be catching men.”
That gracious contrast must remind us that our Lord is not blinded by our sinfulness but willing to grant us a second chance. Let us embrace His faithfulness and share the fruits of His mercies with others. Let us grant them hope of God’s renewal, healing, and transforming daily presence—even after a fall.