Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time / Msgr. Owen F. Campion
The Sunday Readings
The Book of Isaiah is the source of the first reading for Mass this weekend. It was composed in a time when tranquility prevailed in the southern Hebrew kingdom of Judah, but with dark clouds forming on the horizon.
Isaiah believed that God had called him to call the people to obedience to his will. He warned them that disaster awaited if the wayward and listless among them did not reform, and if the nation did not return to God.
He was not received well by the people. No one wanted to turn away from the happy times and good living for the more restricted life that would pertain if all were faithful to God. They resented Isaiah either in spite of his privileged position, or perhaps because of it.
It was not just that the prophet demanded that people mend their ways. He wrote with great determination, at times with fiery language displayed in this reading.
St. Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians provides the next reading.
The Apostle recalls the death of Jesus and then his resurrection, reporting that St. Peter, whom Paul calls “Cephas,” using the Greek term for his name, saw Jesus after the resurrection, that St. James saw Jesus, and that even 500 of those who believed in the Gospel saw the risen Lord.
The reading also is autobiographical. Paul declares that he himself is an Apostle, having been called by the Lord, however, he calls himself “least” among the Apostles, since he, unlike the others, once persecuted Christ living in the Church (1 Cor 15:9).
Unrestrained by this sense of personal unworthiness, Paul wholeheartedly accepts and responds to this calling. Through him, he devoutly believes God works his plan of redemption and mercy.
St. Luke’s Gospel supplies the last reading. This particular passage shows the fine literary hand at work in the composition of the Gospel of Luke. Each Gospel is a carefully prepared document to assure that readers understand very well the message of Jesus. Here, Luke appears to use the Gospel of Mark as a source. But he also adds details drawn from a source that John may have used.
Of course, Jesus is the central figure in the story, but the next most important figure is Peter. In this story, Peter, a fisherman, was in his boat on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus embarked. The Lord began to preach to the people assembled on the shore.
Then Jesus told Peter to row into deeper water and lower the nets into the water for a catch. Peter mildly protests, but he does as told. The nets are so filled with fish that Peter and his companions have difficulty in pulling the nets aboard.
Humbly aware of the Lord’s power, Peter confesses his own sinfulness. Recognizing Peter’s faith, Jesus tells Peter thereafter to fish for souls.
Reflection
For weeks since Christmas, the Church has been introducing us to Jesus. The great feasts of the Epiphany and of the Baptism of the Lord told us about Jesus.
Now, subtly but firmly, the Church tells us where we meet Jesus today. It is in and through the Church, in which reposes the memory and authority of Peter, given to him by Jesus.
We need God’s guidance. We cannot wander from God. The readings firmly say this.
Isaiah, Paul and Peter all saw themselves as unworthy of their God-given mission. Yet, fortified by God’s help, they became instruments of redemption. They fulfilled holy tasks.
Each person who hears the word of Christ is healed and strengthened by his grace, and has a holy task even if he or she feels unworthy. God calls each of us and will give us all that we need truly to be saved from our sins and to serve God. †