St. Mary's Catholic Church of Tomahawk, WI

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We are on the fifth Sunday of the ordinary season. The first reading gives us the account of the vocational call of prophet Isaiah. In his vision he sees the angels singing “Holy” in the presence of God and realizes his state of sinfulness in front of the true holiness. But God purifies him through an angel and prepares him to be sent for the mission. Similarly, when we know, realize and acknowledge our limitedness, God of holiness purifies us. Then, are we ready to be sent by God on our mission? The second reading presents to us a beautiful rhetorical argument of St. Paul to the Corinthian Church, where still some doubted Christ’s resurrection. Here St. Paul treats not only Christ’s resurrection, but also the resurrection of all who believe in the Lord. He argues with two points: first, Scripture is the source of our salvation and second, by presenting the lengthy list of witnesses to the risen Lord. Are we being convinced and moved by the zeal of St. Paul to bring the message of salvation to others through their faith in the Risen Lord? The gospel presents to us the miraculous haul of fish and the call of the first disciples by the Lord. It seems like St. Luke, in comparison with the other three evangelists, wants Jesus and His reputation to be well established before He calls His first followers. Peter and the others follow the Lord not due to a command but rather due to Jesus winning over their imaginations and hearts through a miracle that exceeds all their expectations. Do we perceive the innumerable great miracles of the Lord in our lives and how do we decide to follow Him in response to His call to discipleship?

Fr. Aloysius Royan Anthony