Peace to you!
We have been reflecting the last few weeks on a kind of process through which God calls people to active discipleship. A few weeks ago we heard Samuel’s story and how he had to learn how to listen and discern that God sometimes calls in the night when we are not so occupied with daily activity. The Gospel story on the day of Jesus’ baptism said that a dove landed on Jesus and voice from heaven said “this is my beloved son.”
Isaiah explains how terrified he is at his vision of the “Lord of Hosts.” He acknowledges that he is unworthy to be in the presence of the Holy God and fears death because of it but the angel calms his fears by cleansing him. Isaiah is forever changed! Filled with holy joy and zeal, he responds to God’s call “here I am, send me!”
St. Paul expresses something similar to Isaiah’s sense of personal unworthiness and we remember the story of his encounter with the risen Lord. St. Paul was changed by his encounter and responded to God’s call in the same way as Isaiah: he was sent to proclaim the Good News!
This weekend we hear the story of Jesus calling Peter, Andrew, James and John to leave their boats and nets to follow him and become fishers of men. Peter was immediately seized with fear and in response to that Jesus immediately calmed him with the words “Do not be afraid.” Like Isaiah, Peter’s life was forever changed.
The call stories are always interesting and powerful for us because they help us focus on listening and following God in new and deeper ways. They also remind us of the past when God has called us to himself and to experience something new, something of how wonderful he is. It is normal to feel uncertain or afraid at first but our faith assures us that the Lord is at our side. God bless you in your mission to proclaim the Gospel! +++ Fr. Peter