Reflection for February 9, 2025

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

Isaiah 6:1-2a,3-8 | Psalm 138:1-5,7-8 | 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 | Luke 5:1-11

The readings for this Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to reflect on our journey as disciples and how we respond to God’s call each day. We see three great servants of God—Isaiah, Paul, and Peter—grappling with their own unworthiness. Isaiah acknowledges his unclean lips, recognizing his sinfulness before God. Paul humbly admits that it was only by God's grace, not his own efforts, that he became an apostle. Peter, overwhelmed by Jesus' divine power and goodness, becomes deeply aware of his own shortcomings. Their stories remind us that no one is truly worthy on their own, but God calls and strengthens those who are willing to follow Him.

The Beethoven House in Bonn is one of the most visited music museums in the world and ranks among Germany’s top 100 attractions. During a visit, Jamie, a young American student, was captivated by a piano on which Beethoven had composed some of his greatest works. Curious and eager, she asked the museum guard if she could play a few notes. Slipping him a generous tip, he agreed. Excited, she played the opening of Moonlight Sonata before heading out. As she left, she casually remarked, “I bet all the great pianists who visit want to play that piano.” The guard simply shook his head and replied, “Ignacy Jan Paderewski, the famous Polish pianist and composer, was here a few years ago, and he said he wasn’t even worthy to touch it.”

In our first reading, the prophet Isaiah is given a vision of God’s glory and immediately recognizes his own unworthiness. Overwhelmed, he cries out, acknowledging that he is a man of unclean lips, living among people who are also unclean. However, God does not leave him in his unworthiness. An angel purifies Isaiah’s lips with a burning ember, symbolizing God’s grace that cleanses and equips him for his mission. Only then does Isaiah find the courage to respond to God’s call, saying, “Here I am, send me.” This passage reminds us that true worthiness does not come from ourselves but from God alone. Unfortunately, during election season, many politicians eagerly proclaim their worthiness to lead, boasting about their achievements and competence. Yet, we often forget that the desire to serve and the ability to govern comes from God’s grace, not our own merit. Like Isaiah, we too are imperfect and in need of God’s purification. On election day, make your vote count by choosing leaders based on the qualities of Isaiah. Do not vote for a candidate just because their name is familiar. Do not vote for someone simply because they once did you a favor. Do not be swayed by performances or gimmicks, like dancing Budots. Instead, examine their humility, selflessness, and fear of the Lord—qualities that define true servant-leaders. Look into their qualifications, track record, and genuine commitment to serving the people, not just themselves. Only when we acknowledge our dependence on God can we lead with humility, integrity, and a genuine heart for the people we serve. 

Samuel F.B. Morse was once asked if he ever faced moments when he didn’t know what to do. He admitted that it happened more than once, and in those times, he would kneel down and pray for guidance and clarity. Despite receiving many awards for inventing the electric telegraph, Morse never saw himself as special: "I have made a valuable application of electricity not because I was superior to other men but solely because God, who meant it for mankind, must reveal it to someone and He was pleased to reveal it to me."

God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Paul humbly admits that he is unworthy to be an apostle because of his past persecution of Christians. Yet, by God's grace, he was transformed and given a mission to preach the Gospel. This reminds us that God chooses people not because they are perfect, but because He can make them worthy. Abraham was a liar, Isaac played favorites, Jacob was a deceiver, Moses had low self-esteem, Elijah was suicidal, Samson was a drunkard, David was a womanizer, Rahab was a harlot, Tamar pretended to be a prostitute, Ruth was a sexually forward widow, and Bathsheba was a woman taken in adultery—yet God chose them and worked through their flaws. He sees beyond our sins and weaknesses, calling us for His greater purpose. If we focus only on our unworthiness, we may hesitate to accept His call. Instead, we must trust that God’s grace is enough to equip us. No matter our past, God can use us to do great things, as long as we respond with faith and willingness.

Fernando, a farmer, had two wooden buckets—one red and perfect, the other blue with a crack that caused it to leak. Every day, he used them to carry water home. Over time, the blue bucket felt useless and sad about losing water along the way. One day, it shared its feelings with Fernando. Hearing this, the farmer took it for a walk along their usual path. But this time, he pointed out the vibrant flowers and plants growing beside the trail. He explained that the spilled water had been nourishing them all along. The blue bucket realized that even with its flaw, it had been making a difference, helping life flourish in ways it hadn’t noticed before.

In today’s Gospel, a large crowd gathers, eager to hear Jesus preach. Standing in Simon Peter’s boat, He begins teaching. Though Jesus is a carpenter by trade, He instructs Simon Peter, an experienced fisherman, on where to cast his nets. Simon Peter and his companions have spent the entire night fishing without success. Initially, he hesitates, thinking the effort would be futile. He may have even questioned Jesus' advice, believing that, as a professional fisherman, he knew the waters better. Yet, despite his doubts, he obeys. To his astonishment, the catch is not only abundant but miraculous. At this moment, Simon Peter calls Jesus ἐπιστάτά (Master), acknowledging His authority. This recognition did not happen instantly—Jesus had been staying in Simon Peter’s home for months before calling him to discipleship. God’s call often unfolds gradually, leading one step at a time. Simon Peter was a skilled fisherman with a thriving business, a well-situated home by the shore, and trusted partners. Yet, when he encounters Jesus, everything changes. Jesus honors his expertise, demonstrating that He knows Simon Peter personally before inviting him to follow. By out-fishing a professional, Jesus captures his heart. Simon Peter leaves behind his boat, his nets, and his livelihood to embark on a new mission as a fisher of men. This passage reminds us that God calls us through our gifts and talents. What you do well—what you rely on to provide for your family—can be the very thing through which Jesus draws you into a deeper relationship with Him. If you allow Him, God will use your abilities to bring others into His kingdom. So, the next time God prompts you to step out in faith, even if it seems unusual, trust Him. You might be surprised at what you and God can accomplish together. Indeed, great things happen when we allow God to work in our lives!

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