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For most people who had been raised in their respected faith or even just exposed to anything related to any form of religion and worship, recognize someone or something that is generally considered as holy. Holy is used so frequently in religious settings that we have might have lost touch with its true meaning.
The word for “holy” in Hebrew is ‘kadosh’ (קדוש), from the root קדש meaning “separate.” From this basic sense the term totally other or the “wholly other” are used for God vis-à-vis man. And by extension the central idea of being holy is setting something or someone aside for God himself or for a special, sacred purpose.
In the experience of prophet Isaiah (6:1-2, 3-8), he saw the Lord enthroned with seraphim crying out Holy and thus recognizing his being unclean before the Lord. In the gospel (Lk 5:1-11) Simon’s reaction to the power shown in the miraculous haul of fish relates Jesus to a realm or sphere to which he himself does not belong. Both recognized the Holy one as “separate, wholly Other” and found themselves as sinners, not worthy of God’s presence more so of his attention. Paul (1 Cor 15:1-11), as well, considered himself not fit to be called an a apostle because he persecuted the church of God. Yet despite of their protestation the mercy and graciousness of God prevail. Isaiah was sent as prophet, Paul was numbered among the apostles and Peter became the head of his Church.
There is a considerable commonality in today’s readings. The evidence of human inadequacy and sinfulness in the case of Isaiah, Peter and Paul is highlighted, when they experienced the presence of God and the consequent favor they received. And we all share in this human lot and we cannot deny it; neither should we flaunt it. But it can be the fertile ground of God’s power. For God can makes great out of nothing. Rather than be discouraged about our messed up lives we would do well to turn them over to the Lord, open our hearts and ask the Lord to send us and make us fishers of men.
