Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time ‘C’

Today's readings center around the profound theme of God's calling and the transformative response that leads an individual to discipleship. This divine call, as illustrated in the scriptures, unfolds in three key phases:

1. God’s revelation: an awakening to the truth and identity of God or Jesus as the One sent by God.
2. Recognition of unworthiness: a humble acknowledgment of one's inadequacy to receive such a call.
3. God’s reassurance and mission: a comforting assurance from God or Jesus, combined with an invitation to partake in His life-giving mission.

The readings emphasize that God's criteria for selecting prophets and ministers often defy conventional expectations. Through the life-altering calls of Isaiah, Paul, and Peter, we are invited to reflect on our own unique journeys of conversion and discipleship.

In the First Reading, Isaiah, like Peter in today’s Gospel, is acutely aware of his unworthiness in the presence of divine holiness. Nonetheless, they both promptly respond to God’s call. The Second Reading recounts the call of Paul, who, despite his past as a persecutor of Christians, receives his apostolic mission, underscoring the theme that recognition of one's unworthiness and reliance on God's grace is fundamental in preparing for such missions. This principle extends to all of us, as we are called to serve by virtue of our baptism in Jesus Christ.

God calls and commissions us for His service, urging us to recognize His presence universally and to continually repent and prepare to act according to His direction in our lives.

Expressing reverence for God is crucial. This can be manifested through simple, yet meaningful, actions such as arriving early at church to prepare quietly for Holy Mass. Upon entering the church, we show reverence for Jesus' presence in the tabernacle by making a deep bow or genuflecting, and by blessing ourselves with the sign of the cross. We honor Him by attentively listening to the Word of God and engaging actively in the liturgy's prayers and singing. Similarly, respect for Scripture can be shown by placing it prominently in our homes as it is God's living Word to us.

True reverence for God naturally extends to a respectful and loving concern for our neighbors, acknowledging God's presence in them. Each of us holds a unique mission within the Church as His disciples. This distinct calling means that each one of us has a role that no one else can fulfill. By radiating Jesus’ love, mercy, and forgiveness, and engaging in various parish ministries, we fulfill our unique mission.