“FIRST IMPRESSIONS”
5TH SUNDAY -C-
February 9, 2025

Isaiah 6: 1-2a, 3-8; Psalm 138;
I Corinthians 15: 1-11; Luke 5: 1-11

by Jude Siciliano, OP

Dear Preachers:

Today we have stories of vocational calls, from the prophet Isaiah and the Gospel of Luke. What stands out in these stories is that God initiates the call, and humans hear and respond. It is not through their own initiative that people seek God; instead, they are recipients of grace. How and when they respond is up to them.

Isaiah was a priest and counselor to several of Israel’s kings, yet his message often fell on deaf ears. How was he able to persist in his mission despite the resistance? Today, we hear about Isaiah’s inaugural vision—a dramatic encounter with God. In preparation for his challenging mission, Isaiah is purified by angelic beings. This purification equips him to preach a message that will often be rejected.

It all begins with Isaiah’s encounter with God and attentiveness to God’s word. He is called to proclaim God’s message and remain faithful, even amid intense opposition. Isaiah’s strength will come from God’s word. Despite not knowing all that will be required of him, Isaiah places his trust in God. When God asks, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” Isaiah responds, “Here I am… send me.”

A similar sequence unfolds in today’s Gospel. Like Isaiah’s story, hearing God’s word precedes the response. From Simon’s boat, Jesus preaches to the crowd. Luke describes how “the crowd was pressing in on Jesus,” eager to hear him. Simon and those in the boat also listen as Jesus speaks. When Jesus tells Simon to “lower your net for a catch,” Simon hesitates, pointing out their failure after a night of fishing. Yet, he ultimately obeys, saying, “At your command.” Once again, a receptive listener hears the word, trusts it, and acts.

Isaiah and Simon were both motivated by God’s word. Isaiah’s mission did not bring him much outward success, but he was cleansed of sin and sustained by the word through difficult times. Simon, after responding to Jesus’ command, experiences a miraculous catch of fish—a symbol of the many people who would be drawn to Jesus through his words and works. Later, Simon would give his life for that word.

We can ask ourselves: Do I identify more with Isaiah or Simon in this moment of my life? Like Isaiah, do I feel unworthy but strengthened by God’s cleansing touch to serve others? Or, like Simon, am I aware of my shortcomings yet encouraged by Jesus’ assuring words, “Do not be afraid”? Jesus’ word frees us from preoccupation with our worthiness, enabling us to leave behind doubts and follow him.

Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the totality of the disciples’ response. Unlike Mark and Matthew, who describe the disciples leaving their boats, nets, and families, Luke notes that they left “everything” to follow Jesus. The word of Jesus freed them to surrender all and embrace his mission to make disciples of all nations. That same word would strengthen them in the face of opposition and even death.

Each of us is loved by God and called by Jesus for a purpose known to God from all eternity. We have the freedom to accept, postpone, or reject this call. As we gather for the Eucharist and hear Jesus call his disciples to sacrifice and follow him, his invitation carries the strength we need to respond. Each of us has a vocation and, once again, we hear Jesus inviting us to follow. We receive his word gratefully, along with the grace to live our present Christian vocation more fully.

The experience of God’s word—whether audible or visible—transformed Isaiah and the fishermen into channels of God’s love for a needy world. Their response likely seemed nonsensical to their families, peers, and communities. Imagine the bewilderment of experienced fishermen, who had “worked hard all night and caught nothing,” being told by a carpenter to “put out into deep water and lower your nets.” Sometimes, following Jesus’ call doesn’t make sense to us either.

This reminds me of the daily tasks we face that seem to have lost their meaning or energy—things we began with enthusiasm but now struggle to continue. Think of couples persevering in their relationship, parents remaining steadfast despite their children’s indifference or hostility, or those enduring long illnesses while trying to keep faith. Consider those who persist in good works despite overwhelming odds—against racism, environmental degradation, violence, and addiction. They’ve heard Jesus’ call and trust his promise to be with them.

We, too, need to listen again to Jesus’ words: “Do not be afraid.” Trusting his presence and promise, we can continue to follow him, no matter the challenges we face.

Click here for a link to this Sunday’s readings:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020925.cfm