Fifth Sunday of the Year: C: February 6, 2022

 JESUS' CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

First Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 3-8 and 11

Gospel Reading: Luke 5: 1-11

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Details of the call of Isaiah to be a prophet are narrated. He is called by the Lord God to be a prophet. Isaiah acknowledges his own unworthiness to be a prophet of the Lord God. The Lord God purifies him and appoints him a prophet. Isaiah readily responds to the call of the Lord God. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul instructs the Corinthian community regarding the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Historically this affirmation of Paul is the earliest confession of the early Church regarding resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Further Paul acknowledges his own unworthiness to be called an Apostle. He admits that he is the least of all the Apostles because he had persecuted the Church before his conversion. 

The call of the first disciples of Jesus                                                                       Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The miraculous catch of a large number of fish by Peter and his companions is narrated. Subsequently Jesus dramatically calls His first disciples. Peter realizes that he is witnessing an extraordinary miracle - a divine intervention through the person of Jesus. This dramatic incident changes the lives of Peter and his companions. Peter, James and John realize the nearness of God: they fall on their knees just like men condemned to death pleading for their lives. Jesus assures them and tells them not to be afraid but to follow Him. Responding to Jesus' invitation they brought their boats ashore, left everything they possessed and followed Him wholeheartedly. That day they lost their livelihood but won eternal life.                                                                   Often we too are afraid to be touched by the presence of God. It is too dangerous because we are afraid to be caught up by the divine, afraid to be sent by Him. Jesus who dramatically invited the first disciples is inviting each one of us. 

"It is not good to be too near a King, except when you are called and even such a call is a bad sign." - An ancient saying

"Christ did not appoint professors but followers." - Soren Kierkegaard

"When Christ called a man, he bid him come and die." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer