Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C 6th February 2022
Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 6 v1-8 (9-13); Psalm 138; 1 Corinthians 15 v1-11; Luke 5 v1-11.
You (Lord) have made us what we are.
The notion of God making us what we are is reflected in all today’s readings. Isaiah is commissioned by God to speak for him as the result of a vision. Isaiah sees/hears ‘flaming creatures’ praising God. When Isaiah confesses to being unworthy to be in the presence of God, a creature touches his lips with a burning coal and declares, “Your sins are forgiven, you are no longer guilty.” (Isaiah 6 v 7). Forgiven and encouraged, Isaiah volunteers to do God’s will, “I’ll go”, “Send me!”
The apostle Paul was well aware of how strong God’s love is for each of us and how our lives can be transformed by God’s grace. In his own life, as a former Pharisee and persecutor of the followers of Jesus, he was challenged by the risen Christ and transformed as a result. In his letter to the Corinthians he writes, I am the least important of all the apostles. In fact, I caused so much trouble for God’s church that I don’t even deserve to be called an apostle. But God was kind! He made me what I am. (1 Corinthians 15 v 9-10a).
In today’s gospel reading, Luke recalls how Simon-Peter first encountered Jesus. After a miraculous catch of fish, Simon recognises his unworthiness to be in the presence of Jesus and says, “Lord don’t come near me! I am a sinner.” Jesus told Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you will bring in people instead of fish”. (Luke 5 v 8b, 10b). Simon is commissioned as a disciple along with his fishing partners, James and John.
Isaiah recognised that God’s love extended beyond those in the temple in Jerusalem. In his vision the flaming creatures sing: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord all-Powerful, the earth is filled with your glory.”
(Isaiah 6 v 3).
God’s love extends to all the earth’s people. Forgiveness and restoration is available to all.
King David was well aware of his own failure to live the kind of life that God wanted him to live. David knew that God had chosen him to be a ‘shepherd’ of the people of God. Although challenged and chastised for his human failings, David was grateful that God continued to love him.
In Psalm 138, David writes in praise of God and his unfailing kindness towards to us.
With all my heart I praise you Lord. (v1a)
I praise you for your love and your faithfulness. (v2b)
You Lord, will always treat me with kindness.
Your love never fails.
You have made us what we are.
Don’t give up on us now! (v8)
The good news is, he hasn’t!
Bible quotations are taken from the Contemporary English Version.