The readings for this Sunday offer profound insights into the relationship between God and humanity, revealing both divine greatness and human frailty. Reflecting on these sacred texts, especially within the context of a community like Saints Peter And Paul Church, allows us to understand more deeply our own spiritual journeys. We learn that God’s love is immense and unconditional, while we, as individuals, are inherently imperfect. This understanding is crucial as we strive to live out our faith and answer God’s call in our lives.
In the first reading from Isaiah, we witness the prophet’s overwhelming reaction to the divine presence. Isaiah, confronted with the holiness of God, exclaims, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” These powerful words, which resonate within the liturgy celebrated daily at Saints Peter and Paul Church and churches worldwide, emphasize God’s absolute purity and majesty. Isaiah then confesses, “Woe to me!… I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips.” This isn’t an act of self-deprecation but a genuine recognition of human imperfection in the face of divine perfection. Isaiah’s acknowledgment of his unworthiness highlights a fundamental truth: we are all flawed beings encountering a flawless God. Yet, importantly, this encounter doesn’t lead to rejection but to transformation. God, knowing our inherent weaknesses, extends grace and empowers Isaiah to become a messenger, demonstrating that even in our imperfection, we can be instruments of the divine word. This resonates deeply with the mission of Saints Peter and Paul Church, which, like its patron saints, is built on the foundation of human discipleship despite human fallibility.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter, echoes this sentiment of unworthiness. He acknowledges his past as a persecutor of the early Church, stating he is “the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle.” Paul’s humility is striking, especially considering his immense contribution to the spread of Christianity. However, his past actions do not disqualify him from God’s grace or his apostolic mission. Instead, Paul’s transformation serves as a powerful testament to God’s boundless forgiveness and the transformative power of faith. This story, often contemplated within the walls of Saints Peter and Paul Church, reminds us that our past mistakes do not define our future potential in God’s eyes. Like Paul, we are called to embrace our mission, not because of our inherent righteousness, but because of God’s empowering grace.
The Gospel reading further illustrates this point through the encounter between Jesus and Peter. After witnessing the miraculous catch of fish, Peter is overcome with awe and fear, proclaiming, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” Peter’s reaction is similar to Isaiah’s – a recognition of personal inadequacy in the presence of the divine. However, Jesus’ response is pivotal: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” Jesus doesn’t dismiss Peter because of his sinfulness; instead, He commissions him for a greater purpose. This interaction is especially meaningful for a church named Saints Peter and Paul, as it highlights the human imperfections of these foundational figures of the Church. Peter, who would become the first Pope, initially doubts his worthiness, yet Jesus sees his potential and calls him to ministry. This narrative encourages us, the community of Saints Peter and Paul Church, to recognize that our calling is rooted in our availability and willingness to serve, not in our perceived holiness.
Isaiah, Paul, and Peter, figures central to the Christian faith and namesake of Saints Peter and Paul Church, all recognized their unworthiness in the face of God’s infinite love. They understood that any ability to serve, to preach, or to lead stemmed not from their own strength, but from God’s grace. This understanding is beautifully articulated by Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This verse encapsulates a core Christian paradox: it is in our weakness that we become strong through Christ. Paul embraces his limitations, recognizing that they become channels for God’s power to work through him. This sentiment should resonate deeply within the community of Saints Peter and Paul Church, reminding us that our imperfections are not obstacles but opportunities for God’s grace to manifest.
[alt text: Stained glass window depicting Saint Peter holding keys and Saint Paul with a sword, symbols of their apostleship, commonly found in churches dedicated to them like Saints Peter and Paul Church.]
As the saying goes, “God writes straight with crooked lines.” This profound truth, often reflected upon in sermons and teachings at Saints Peter and Paul Church, reminds us that God can work through our imperfections to achieve His divine purposes. We are invited to “put out into deep water,” to take risks in faith, trusting in God’s guidance even when facing uncertainty. Just as Jesus encouraged Peter to lower his nets again after initial failure, we are called to persevere in our faith and service, even amidst struggles and setbacks. The call to “lower our nets” is a call to action, urging us to overcome our fears and step out in faith, knowing that God is with us, guiding and strengthening us. He sends us where He needs us to be, equipping us with the strength to face challenges, misunderstandings, and even persecution. Like Mother Teresa famously said, “God doesn’t require us to succeed; he only requires that you try.” Faithfulness, not worldly success, is the ultimate measure of our response to God’s call.
Ultimately, trusting in God and responding to His call gives meaning and purpose to our lives. Even in our failures, God invites us to begin again, to cast our nets anew, and to continue trusting in His unwavering presence. Cultivating this trust requires spending time in prayer, allowing ourselves to be loved by God and to respond in love. Today, as in the time of Peter and Paul, Christ calls us to lower our nets, to give Him a chance in our lives, and to listen to His words urging us to “start over.” Like Peter, we may face doubts, difficulties, and misunderstandings, leading us to feel like giving up. However, drawing inspiration from the lives of Saints Peter and Paul, and the teachings often shared at Saints Peter and Paul Church, we are reminded that God’s grace is sufficient.
To conclude, let us reflect on the words of Abdul Kalam:
“If you fail never give up because F.A.I.L means
First Attempt In Learning
END is not the END
E.N.D means
Effort Never Dies
If you get a “NO” as an answer
Remember N.O means Next Opportunities”
Therefore, let us embrace the risk of faith, continue to heed Jesus’ command to “lower our nets,” and trust in God’s ever-present goodness. This message of hope and perseverance, grounded in the examples of Saints Peter and Paul, resonates deeply within the community of Saints Peter and Paul Church and serves as a guiding principle for all believers.
God is Good—All the time.
Rev. Yvans Jazon Pastor
