Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Is God calling you to be or do something outside of your comfort zone? Do you feel you’re not ready, too old, too young, or ill-equipped? Do you feel unworthy of His calling? Trust the Spirit of God and know that it’s not your strength, knowledge, or resources that will make you fulfill His plan for you.
Moses struggled with stuttering and fear of public speaking, yet God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Jesse overlooked his son, David, thinking of him as a mere shepherd boy when the prophet Samuel came to select a king from among Jesse’s sons. Still, God revealed David as the chosen one, who later defeated Goliath, relying on God’s strength rather than his abilities. Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed for a child but doubted they could conceive until the angel Gabriel announced that they would have John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. Paul was a persecutor of Christians until his conversion on the road to Damascus, where he became one of the most influential apostles. He traveled extensively to spread the Gospel, and his letters form a significant portion of the New Testament. Mary, a young woman from Nazareth, a small village of 200 to 500 people, faced the daunting task of becoming the mother of the Messiah. Troubled yet faithful, she accepted God’s will, saying, “May it be done to me according to your word.” —Luke 1:38. Her response exemplified profound faith and courage.
The Readings for this Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to reflect deeply on the themes of divine calling, human unworthiness, and the transformative power of God’s grace. In the Old Testament Reading, Isaiah encounters a powerful vision of God’s holiness and majesty and realizes his own unworthiness, “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips.” —Isaiah 6:5. Despite his fear and inadequacy, God purifies him and calls him to be a prophet. Isaiah responds with a willing heart, “Here I am, send me!” —Isaiah 6:8. In the Second Reading, Paul recounts that it is by God’s grace that he has become an apostle. In the Gospel Reading, Luke details the calling of Simon Peter and his companions. After a fruitless night of fishing, Jesus instructs Peter to cast his nets again. Despite his initial skepticism, Peter obeys and is rewarded with an overwhelming fish catch. This miraculous event leads Peter to recognize his sinfulness and unworthiness before Jesus, who reassures him, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” —Luke 5:10b. Peter’s response is immediate; he leaves everything to follow Christ.
The readings challenge us to reflect on our own lives and the ways in which God may be calling us. We are invited to consider our unworthiness and limitations, yet also to recognize that God’s grace is sufficient. The call to discipleship is present in our workplace, family life, and community. Responding to this call may require courage and a willingness to step out of comfort zones, trusting that God will provide the strength needed to fulfill His mission.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.