Sunday Reading Reflections:

February 7, 2010
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Reflection:

As Isaiah describes how God called him to be a prophet, he remembers the scene as though it had just happened. In a vision, Isaiah has "seen" the Lord on a magnificent throne in the Temple. Glowing angels called seraphim hover above the throne, and the Temple shakes with their praise.

Isaiah is overcome with the reality of his own sinfulness and God's holiness. He protests that he cannot be a prophet because of his "unclean lips." But an angel purifies his lips with a glowing coal from the altar. This is a sign that Isaiah is now completely worthy to speak for God. Cleansed of his sin, Isaiah answers the Lord's call by saying, "Here I am, send me!"

Reading 2 Reflection:

Often when we want to convince others of an important truth, we point to the testimony of the experts who believe that same truth. Paul wants to be sure that the Christians of Corinth believe in the resurrection of Jesus. If they fail to grasp that central truth, their faith will be without meaning.

So Paul lines up all the important "experts," or witnesses, from Peter (Cephas) on down to himself. Paul is probably the most convincing witness of all, because Christ himself converted Paul from being a persecutor of Christians to a zealous apostle.

Gospel Reflection:

We can be sure that Peter remembered the scene in today's gospel story as clearly as Isaiah recalled his own vision of God. Even though Simon is convinced that there are no fish available, he tells Jesus, "At your command, I will lower the nets."

His trust is rewarded not only by a huge catch of fish, but by Jesus' call to become a disciple. Peter, James, and John, overwhelmed by the presence of Jesus, drop everything and follow Him.