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5th Sunday C
Is 6:1-2, 3-8
In 742 B.C., the year of King Uzziah’s death, Isaiah experiences a theophany during a temple liturgy, highlighting Yahweh’s transcendence. He sees God enthroned, attended by seraphim who proclaim His holiness (v1-2). The Hebrew word “qadosh” (v3) emphasizes God’s otherness and sinlessness, which is manifest in His glory. Isaiah’s vision causes him to feel he is doomed due to his sinfulness, particularly regarding his speech (v5), which symbolizes his entire being. After being purified, he eagerly accepts Yahweh’s call to be His emissary (vv6-8), contrasting with the reluctance of Jeremiah (Jer 1:6). The narrative underscores the gap between God’s holiness and human sinfulness, with Yahweh bridging this divide to empower Isaiah for his prophetic ministry.
1 Cor 15:1-11
Paul discusses the resurrection and cites the early church’s core message—the kerygma. He emphasizes that the gospel he preaches, received from others (v3), is vital for the Corinthians’ salvation and must be maintained in its purity. Central to this proclamation is the death and resurrection of Jesus, supported by his burial and multiple eyewitness accounts (v3-5). Paul connects Christ’s death to scripture, possibly referencing Isaiah 53, and distinguishes between the twelve apostles and other apostles, including himself. While the twelve were with Jesus during his ministry, Paul’s apostleship is rooted in his commission from the risen Christ. He refers to himself as “one born out of due time” (v8), acknowledging his unusual and unworthy calling. Ultimately, he credits God’s grace for his transformation and impact on the church (vv8-9).
Lk 5:1-11
Luke’s account of the call of the first disciples stands out from Mark’s version (Mark 1:16-20) and draws on post-resurrection themes seen in John (John 21:1-11). This passage highlights Jesus’ personal ministry and offers a deeper understanding of “the word” after Easter.
Luke emphasizes Simon Peter as the central figure, with the other disciples playing secondary roles, underscoring Peter’s leadership throughout his writings. The narrative describes the disciples’ unsuccessful night of fishing, which turns into a miraculous catch at Jesus’ command (vv4-7), a theme echoed in John’s version. This miraculous catch motivates the disciples to follow Jesus immediately, illustrating the connection between their call and future success.
If this was set in a post-resurrection context, Peter’s recognition of his sinfulness (v8) mirrors Isaiah’s acknowledgment of human inadequacy. Jesus reassures Peter with “Fear not” and commissions him to bring people to God’s reign (v10). The fishing imagery symbolizes their challenging mission, which will thrive under the Lord’s guidance. Ultimately, the disciples leave their livelihoods to follow Jesus.
All the readings today recount accounts of a divine calling. Heavily underscored by a sense of human unworthiness, these narratives clearly highlight that the mission is the work of God and not a product of human inventiveness; it reflects God’s power at work in human weakness. The only explanation for what those He has called have become is God’s favor, and all credit belongs to Him alone. We are all called by God to proclaim the Gospel, and we should be grateful that God’s grace within us has not diminished due to our lack of response. Amen.
