The readings for this week offer profound insights into our relationship with God and our own human nature. We are reminded of God’s immense power and love, juxtaposed against our inherent fragility and imperfections. Like the figures we revere at St Peter And Paul Church, we learn that it is in acknowledging our weakness that we find true strength through divine grace.
In the first reading, Isaiah’s encounter with God leaves him overwhelmed by his own unworthiness. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory,” Isaiah proclaims, words that resonate in our liturgy and daily Mass. Yet, faced with this divine holiness, Isaiah confesses, “Woe to me!… I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:3,5). This isn’t self-deprecation, but a genuine realization of human fallibility when confronted with the divine. Isaiah’s response highlights a crucial understanding: God doesn’t demand perfection before calling us to service. Instead, He offers grace to overcome our shortcomings, empowering us to become messengers of His word, even with our “impure lips.” This resonates deeply within the community of St Peter and Paul Church, where we acknowledge our imperfections while striving to serve.
The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in the second reading. He recognizes his past as a persecutor of the Church, considering himself “the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle” (1 Corinthians 15:9). Yet, it is precisely through God’s grace and forgiveness that Paul is transformed and commissioned as an apostle. This powerful transformation reminds us that God’s call isn’t exclusive to the saintly; rather, it is often extended to those who recognize their flaws and are willing to change. St Peter and Paul themselves, imperfect men chosen for extraordinary missions, exemplify this truth. Their lives, celebrated by St Peter and Paul Church, demonstrate that God calls sinners to become saints, to be proclaimers and evangelizers.
Peter’s experience in the Gospel further illustrates this dynamic. After witnessing Jesus’ miraculous catch of fish, Peter is filled with awe and fear, exclaiming, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8). Jesus’ response, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people” (Luke 5:10), is both reassuring and commissioning. It underscores that availability, not inherent holiness, is the primary requirement for ministry. Just as St Peter and Paul, despite their human frailties, answered Christ’s call, we too are invited to embrace our roles within the Church, trusting in God’s grace to work through our imperfections.
Isaiah, Paul, and Peter, pillars of faith and figures central to the identity of St Peter and Paul Church, all recognized their unworthiness in the face of God’s infinite love. They understood that without divine grace, they were incapable and insignificant. However, God chose to work through their weaknesses, demonstrating that His power is made perfect in our frailty. As Paul writes in his letter to the Corinthians, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness… For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). This profound truth is a cornerstone of Christian faith and a source of comfort and encouragement for the congregation of St Peter and Paul Church.
The wisdom of the ages, as expressed in the aphorism “God writes straight with crooked lines,” and echoed in David Walk’s reflection, reminds us that God works through our imperfections. He calls us to “move forward into deep water,” to take risks and place our trust in Him. When we step out in faith, as St Peter did when he walked on water, we may encounter fear and uncertainty, but we are never truly deceived when we trust in God’s guidance. He urges us to “lower our nets,” to confront our fears and embrace the risks inherent in following His call. We are reminded, “Do not be afraid, because He is with us.” He sends us where He needs us to be, providing the strength to face misunderstanding, challenges, and even persecution.
Like Mother Teresa, we are called to prioritize faithfulness over worldly success. What truly matters is our trust in God and our response to His call, for it is He who gives meaning and purpose to our lives. Even in the face of our failures, God invites us to begin again, to cast our nets anew and to continue trusting in Him. This trust is nurtured through prayer, through taking time for silent reflection, allowing ourselves to be loved by God and to love in return. Today, as in the times of Peter and Paul, Christ calls us to “start over,” to listen to His word, and to give Him a chance in our lives. Like Peter, we may face struggles and doubts, moments when we feel like giving up.
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.’” Inspired by the examples of St Peter and Paul, let us take risks with Jesus, continuing to listen to His command to “lower our nets.” Let us find strength in our weakness, knowing that through God’s grace, we are empowered to fulfill His purpose in our lives and within our community at St Peter and Paul Church.
God is Good—All the time.
Rev. Yvans Jazon Pastor
