Is 6:1-8 ; I Cor 15:1-11; Lk 5:1-11
A large imperial court. Servants waited at the king for his command. They proclaimed the praise of the one seated on the throne. Holiness hovered over the court like a cloud. There at the corner of the court stood a poor wretched, unclean, frail man. His eyes fell on the king, and his state of unworthiness made him all the more miserable. He trembled with fear. One of the seraphs came down to him with fire from the Altar and touched his mouth with it to purify him. Then he heard the voice of the king,
"Who shall I send?"
The man answered, "Here I am, Send me."
That is prophet Isaiah, accepting his divine call.
Today's readings contain the theme of God's call. The divine call of Isaiah, the call of
St. Paul and Jesus' call to St. Peter.
There are several things in common in the way God called them and in the way they reacted.
God's call is always unexpected. St. Paul was galloping to Rome to persecute the Christians there. On his way, he received the call of Jesus. A sense of unexpected mystery overtook him and he asked, "Lord, who are you?"
The Gospel presents another unexpected call. An ordinary fisherman, Simon, was called by Jesus. He said, "Follow me." He followed him.
The Old Testament gives us numerous example of God's call. All of them came unexpectedly. Moses was tending his sheep on Mount Sinai, when he was called. The Judges Gideon, Esther and Deborah received their calls to take up a specific mission and the call came unexpectedly.
A feeling of sinfulness came upon them all; they felt totally unfit for the task, and tried to decline it. When Moses was called he said, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh!: Moses hesitated to say "Yes" to God. When Isaiah saw the overwhelming glory of God his sinfulness over took him. Jeremiah protested, "I know not how to speak. I am too young. When Jesus called St. Peter he said, "Lord go away from me. I am a sinful man." St Paul became aware of his utter spiritual misery. Momentarily, he became physically blind.
God responded to their sinfulness by reassuring them of His help. To Moses he promised, "I will certainly be with you." Isaiah was touched with the divine fire. Jeremiah was told, "Have no fear; I am with you." St Peter was assured, "Do not be afraid, from now on it is men you will catch."
Once reassured by God they went through their task courageously, enduring innumerable trials. Isaiah cried out, "Here I am. Send me." He carried out the command of the Lord and prophesied till the end of hislife. St Paul exhibited unchallengeable zeal until the sword of his enemies silenced him. St Peter remained faithful to his task till the moment his body became still on the cross.
The call of God continues in history. We should keep our ears open to hear , recognize and accept it. Let us remember the words of Khalil Gibran " Wisdom stands at the turn in the road and calls upon us publicly. But we consider it false and despise its adherents."
A reminder from St Ignatius Loyola , "Even if you gain the whole world and lose your soul, what do you gain?", upset the tranquility of a young professor and made him think. - think about the meaning of life. That was the unexpected call to a great apostle, St. Francis Xavier.
A young, curious and skeptic college student heard about a great saint living in the forest. He visited him with an intention to question him. When he reached there something overtook him. He sat at his feet and asked him, "Guru, Have you seen God?" There came the unhesitant answer from Guru, "Yes", I see God in your eyes." Swami Vivekananda recognized his call from the words of Ramakrishna Parama Hamsa.
These messages prompt us to be open to God in the circumstances of our lives, to acknowledge that we are instruments of God, and to offer our service to Him. If we can do this, God will accomplish through us what He has once achieved through Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Paul and Peter.
Satish