In the year King Uzziah died,
I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne,
with the train of his garment filling the temple.
Seraphim were stationed above.
They cried one to the other,
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts!
All the earth is filled with his glory!"
At the sound of that cry, the frame of the door shook
and the house was filled with smoke.
Then I said, "Woe is me, I am doomed!
For I am a man of unclean lips,
living among a people of unclean lips;
yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!"
Then one of the seraphim flew to me,
holding an ember that he had taken with tongs from the altar.
He touched my mouth with it, and said,
"See, now that this has touched your lips,
your wickedness is removed, your sin purged."
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
"Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?"
"Here I am, " I said; "send me!"
R./ In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
R./ In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R./ In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD,
when they hear the words of your mouth;
and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD:
"Great is the glory of the LORD."
R./ In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
Your right hand saves me.
The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.
R./ In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
I am reminding you, brothers and sisters,
of the gospel I preached to you,
which you indeed received and in which you also stand.
Through it you are also being saved,
if you hold fast to the word I preached to you,
unless you believed in vain.
For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received:
that Christ died for our sins
in accordance with the Scriptures;
that he was buried;
that he was raised on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures;
that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.
After that, Christ appeared to more
than five hundred brothers at once,
most of whom are still living,
though some have fallen asleep.
After that he appeared to James,
then to all the apostles.
Last of all, as to one born abnormally,
he appeared to me.
For I am the least of the apostles,
not fit to be called an apostle,
because I persecuted the church of God.
But by the grace of God I am what I am,
and his grace to me has not been ineffective.
Indeed, I have toiled harder than all of them;
not I, however, but the grace of God that is with me.
Therefore, whether it be I or they,
so we preach and so you believed.
While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening
to the word of God,
he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.
He saw two boats there alongside the lake;
the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.
Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon,
he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore.
Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,
"Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch."
Simon said in reply,
"Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,
but at your command I will lower the nets."
When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish
and their nets were tearing.
They signaled to their partners in the other boat
to come to help them.
They came and filled both boats
so that the boats were in danger of sinking.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said,
"Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man."
For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him
and all those with him,
and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee,
who were partners of Simon.
Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid;
from now on you will be catching men."
When they brought their boats to the shore,
they left everything and followed him.
Row Out Into the Deep
Dear brothers and sisters, peace and blessings.
I have to admit, I feel a little envious when I read that «the people crowded around Jesus to hear the Word of God.» In other times, that used to happen in our churches too. Here in Russia, where I work, people don’t usually crowd in—except maybe on Christmas and Easter night. I guess we don’t have Jesus’ charisma. But, of course, that doesn’t stop us from giving ourselves fully to the mission.
What we can relate to is how the prophet Isaiah felt: «Woe to me! I am lost!» That feeling often comes up when we encounter the Lord because we realize we’re not worthy of such a gift. Especially when we’ve promised ourselves over and over again to be better, to stop sinning, and yet we keep failing. We repeat the same mistakes, time and time again. The temptation to give up starts creeping in. «Why keep trying if nothing changes?»
Maybe the problem is that we want to do everything on our own, without letting God step in. We need to let the angel purify our lips—and our hearts along with them. Then, everything changes. We begin to see life differently, and we can accept the mission the Lord entrusts to us. And we know the harvest is great. «Whom shall I send?» Once we realize that God accepts us, unconditionally, despite everything, we can offer ourselves to be sent—wherever we are needed—so that others may also know. Because it is needed, now more than ever.
This is what Saint Paul felt, without a doubt—«by the grace of God»—which allowed him to become who he was. In the second reading, the Apostle to the Gentiles gives us a great summary of our faith before thanking God for allowing him to change his life—from persecutor to apostle—without any merit of his own.
Paul takes seriously the task of explaining the foundation of our faith. It seems that today, many people are like the Corinthians in Paul’s time. Believing in everything the Holy Mother Church teaches doesn’t sit well with them. Instead of resurrection, some believe in reincarnation. The Ten Commandments seem like too many. Some things the Holy Father says sound «old-fashioned.» They pick and choose what they accept from Church teachings. A «made-to-order» faith, like in restaurants. Just like almost everything in modern life.
Maybe the issue is a lack of catechesis, a lack of preparation. And a lack of deep experiences. Faith doesn’t happen suddenly—just as Paul didn’t suddenly become an apostle, and the Corinthians didn’t become Christians overnight. There has to be a gradual journey, rooted in Scripture and Tradition, guided by the Holy Spirit. Saint Paul shares his experience so that we, too, can personally read the Word, listen to it in our community celebrations, and actively participate in the Church. This way, the Spirit slowly fills us and leads us forward.
In this way, we—Christians of the 21st century—can live our faith. Maybe not exactly as the Corinthians did, but in a similar way. As true disciples of the Lord, in our daily lives. Fully committed to the Kingdom. Like Jesus.
That same Jesus, in today’s Gospel, leaves Nazareth—where he had been in the synagogue—and returns to the Lake of Gennesaret. We see that he is looking for companions for his mission. First to be with him, and later, of course, to continue the work once he is no longer physically present in this world.
Before calling those he considered suitable, Jesus couldn’t help but preach to the people standing by the lakeshore. His mission constantly moved him to speak about his Father, in season and out of season. Just like today, when Jesus approaches us in the middle of our everyday lives, wherever we may be.
It’s interesting to see how Christ speaks to Peter and his companions. Experts say that the best fishing happens at night. If they hadn’t caught anything, they were probably in a bad mood. And then, a carpenter comes along to tell them what to do! Peter could have easily said, «Stick to your trade, carpenter.» But something about Jesus must have caught his attention. Maybe he had heard him speak to the crowds, and he had already begun to sense that there was something special about this man. So he listened to him. And it was worth it.
Peter’s reaction to the miraculous catch says it all. Simon realizes he is not worthy to be near the One who can do such wonders. Just like the prophet in the first reading. But this time, there is no angel to purify him—it is Jesus himself who tells him, «Do not be afraid.» The encounter with Christ changes his life. From that moment on, he becomes a «fisher of men,» along with his brother Andrew, and with James and John. The group of Disciples begins to take shape. They will follow Jesus everywhere, doing what he did and continuing his work.
It’s beautiful to know that each of us has an appointment with God. Not all of us have had a sudden, striking revelation of God. But even in the simplicity of prayer, in the quiet of our hearts, we can encounter Him. How amazing it is to think that I can have an audience with God whenever I want! That at any moment, if I step away in prayer, He is there, waiting for me and listening to me. These readings remind us of this: that every person has a personal revelation of God within their own heart.
Sometimes, like Isaiah, Paul, and Peter, we may think, «Lord, I am a sinner!» But that doesn’t matter. God doesn’t delight in humiliating us for our sins. He knows that, on our own, we could never claim friendship with Him, much less work alongside Him. And so, He awakens this sense of humility in us and calls us Himself: «Do not be afraid; from now on, you will be fishers of men.»
And if you think you can’t preach the Gospel because «it’s not for everyone,» there’s always something you can do. Peter offered his boat to the Master; maybe you can offer your talents, your car, your time—as a sign that you want to live differently, forgetting about yourself, caring for others, helping those in need. Not just materially, but in every way. Because faith in Jesus means listening to His voice, rather than the voices around you that tell you to focus only on yourself, to be selfish, to stay within your own walls.
It’s about showing who or what truly rules your life—the wisdom of the world or the wisdom of the Gospel. It’s not about radically changing your life—unless you’re a hitman or a bank robber; in that case, yes, change immediately!—but about living with a mission: Jesus’ mission. It can feel overwhelming. But remember, we have the words of Scripture: «Do not be afraid,» God tells Isaiah. «Your lips are purified, and all is forgiven.» He tells Paul, despite his past, and makes him one of His greatest collaborators. And He tells each of us—He tells you.
«Row out into the deep.» Try to live this way. Do it out of love. Seeking to bring joy and life to all our brothers and sisters. Just like Jesus.
Your brother in faith,
Alejandro Carbajo, C.M.F.By God's grace we are what we are.
May his grace not remain fruitless in us.
What matters is that we spread the Good News.
May the Lord Jesus be always with you.
R/ And also with you.
A. We Are Called And Sent
If our faith is truly an integral part of our lives, we should be so much aware of its riches that we cannot keep it to ourselves. What we see in it, what we live in it, we want to share with others. If it makes us feel happy and secure in God, we realize it is given not only for ourselves. Let us make others happy and rich in faith: that is the vocation of every Christian. Let us ask the Lord here in the Eucharist that we may bring him to others, at least by the way we live.
B. The Rich Word Of God
It is fortunate that the new liturgy has opened the Bible for us. Not only do we hear it now in our own language but also the number and selection of texts read to us has improved immensely. No wonder many people now have a Bible and regularly read from it. Why do we read the Bible? Is it only to seek consolation in it or is it that we want to know God better, especially through encountering Jesus and his message? When we know God better, do we bring others closer to God? Jesus asks of us today to spread his word and message. Let us listen to him as he speaks to us.
Before the all-holy God we are only sinners.
We ask him to cleanse our lips and our hearts
and to send us to make him known as our healing God.
(pause)
Lord Jesus, you died for our sins
according to the Scriptures:
Lord, have mercy. R/ Lord, have mercy.
Jesus Christ, on the third day
you rose to life to bring us your life:
Christ, have mercy. R/ Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, by your grace you call us
to be apostles of your Good News:
Lord, have mercy. R/ Lord, have mercy.
In your mercy, Lord, forgive us
and let your grace not be fruitless in us.
Lead us to everlasting life. R/ Amen.
Let us pray
that God may make us capable
of making his Gospel credible
(pause)
Holy God of our happiness,
you entrust your Good News of life
to weak and fallible people.
Keep us from discouragement
and give us the strength to speak your message
with the language of our life.
Let Jesus your Son work with us and in us,
that each of us may have the courage to say:
Here I am, Lord,
send me as your messenger
to share your glad tidings of happiness
with all willing to listen.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.
As the people chosen by God, let us bring before our Father in heaven the needs and prayers of all people, and let us say: R/ Listen to your people, Lord.
• For the pope and all bishops, called by God to be "fishers of people," that they may face with courage and hope the stormy waves of our time of renewal and continue without fear to preach the gospel of Christ, let us pray: R/ Listen to your people, Lord.
• For missionaries, and all who spread the Gospel, that by their own evangelical living and their openness to all they may bear witness to the universality and beauty of the message of Christ, we pray: R/ Listen to your people, Lord.
• For those called by the Lord to his special service as priests or religious, that their own experience of Christ may be the source of their strength to remain faithful to God's call, let us pray: R/ Listen to your people, Lord.
• For all Christians, that they may have the courage to risk their comfort and personal peace to help prisoners and refugees, old parents, the sick and strangers, let us pray: R/ Listen to your people, Lord.
• For our Christian communities, that the celebration of the Eucharist may commit us more and more to one another and give us the strength to work together to make our communities alive in Christ, let us pray: R/ Listen to your people, Lord.
Lord our God, we are but weak people. Make us fit to carry out any task you wish us to do, by the strength of Jesus Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.
God our Father,
in these signs of bread and wine
we celebrate the central event
that sums up our faith
and gives meaning to what we are and do:
the death and resurrection of your Son.
Purify our lips and hearts
with his body and blood
and send us to proclaim with our lives
that Jesus is our living Lord
and that you are our Father
now and for ever. R/ Amen.
We praise God for the apostles, his privileged witnesses who became fishers of people, and with them we are willing to spread the Good News. In the "Holy, holy" we echo the words of the angels, whom Isaiah heard singing God's praise.
In the words of Jesus who saved us
let us pray to the Father who calls and loves us
through the Spirit who guides us: R/ Our Father...
Deliver us Lord, from every evil
and meet us in the humility
of our sinful human condition.
Take away from us the fear
that we are too inadequate
to be messengers and instruments
of your forgiveness and love,
since it is you who call us.
Send us out to prepare in joyful hope
the coming in glory among his people
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
R/ For the kingdom...
This is the Lamb of God
who saved us from sin
by his death and resurrection.
We are not worthy to receive him,
but he purifies us and sends us
to proclaim his love.
R/ Lord, I am not worthy...
Lord our God,
in your love you have called each of us
to a task of life and a place in your plan
which no one else can fulfill for us;
you have chosen your Church
to be the irreplaceable sign and witness
of the death and resurrection of your Son.
Make each and all of us
capable of our mission
and send us out into the deep
by the strength of the body and blood
of our unique Savior,
Jesus Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.
The Lord entrusts to you
his Word and his Body.
Go now, speak his Word
and be his Body to the world.
May the Lord bless you,
that you may be a blessing to all,
in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. R/ Amen.
Go in the peace of the Lord. R/ Thanks be to God.
