In the first reading from Isaiah, we encounter a powerful vision of God’s holiness. Isaiah’s response, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts! The whole earth is full of his glory!” echoes in our liturgy and resonates deeply within us. Yet, Isaiah immediately recognizes his own inadequacy, confessing, “Woe is me, for I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips.” This isn’t self-deprecation, but a profound realization of human imperfection when confronted with divine holiness. Isaiah’s experience teaches us a vital lesson relevant to us all at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church: acknowledging our imperfections is the first step towards allowing God to work through us. Like Isaiah, when we recognize our limitations and ask for grace, we become open vessels for God’s word and messengers of His love. Our imperfections do not disqualify us; instead, they make us relatable and dependent on God’s grace, essential qualities for any servant or missionary disciple.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter, further exemplifies this truth. He acknowledges his past as a persecutor of the Church, recognizing himself as “unfit to be called an apostle.” Paul’s transformation is a powerful testament to God’s boundless forgiveness and transformative power. His story, a cornerstone of Christian faith and often reflected upon within the Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church community, reminds us that God’s call is not exclusive to the righteous. Rather, it is often extended to those who recognize their past failings and are willing to embrace change. God doesn’t seek perfect individuals for ministry; He seeks willing hearts ready to be transformed and guided. He calls sinners to become saints, empowering them to proclaim His word and evangelize through His grace.
The Gospel reading, recounting the miraculous catch of fish and Peter’s subsequent encounter with Jesus, brings this message into sharp focus. Peter’s reaction after witnessing Jesus’ power is one of fear and humility: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” This mirrors Isaiah’s and Paul’s recognition of their unworthiness in the face of divine greatness. However, Jesus’ response to Peter is pivotal: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” This reassurance is central to our understanding of God’s call. It is not our holiness that qualifies us for ministry, but our availability, our willingness to say “yes” despite our fears and perceived inadequacies. This message is particularly encouraging for us at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, as we are all called to participate in the mission of the Church, regardless of our perceived flaws.
These examples of Isaiah, Paul, and Peter, towering figures in our faith, highlight a crucial truth: even the greatest among us recognize their unworthiness before God’s infinite love. They understood that without God’s grace, they were incapable of anything truly meaningful in His service. This realization should not lead to despair but to a deeper reliance on God’s mercy and forgiveness. As Paul eloquently stated in his second letter to the Corinthians, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” This profound statement is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that our weaknesses are not obstacles but opportunities for God’s power to manifest. It is when we acknowledge our limitations that we open ourselves to the boundless strength of Christ.
Reflecting on this message within the context of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, we are invited to embrace our imperfections and offer our willingness to serve. God invites us to “move forward into deep water,” to take risks with Him, and to trust in His guidance, even when we feel inadequate. As the aphorism goes, “God writes straight with crooked lines.” Our imperfections are the “crooked lines” through which God works to create something beautiful and meaningful. He calls us to “lower our nets,” to confront our fears, and to trust that He is with us, providing strength in the face of challenges, misunderstandings, and even failures. The call is not to succeed by worldly standards, but to be faithful, to trust in God, and to respond to His call, finding true meaning and purpose in His service.
Like Peter, we may face struggles and doubts, moments when we feel like giving up. Yet, the message of these readings, and the spirit of community at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, encourages us to persevere. Let us remember 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.’” Let us take a risk with Jesus, continually listening to His command to “lower our nets,” trusting in His goodness and responding to His call to serve with faith and humility within our community and beyond. God is good—all the time.
