5th Sunday in Ordinary time (Year C)

 First Reading: From the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8)

  • This reading describes Isaiah’s vision of the Lord in the temple and his calling to be a prophet. Isaiah feels unworthy but is purified by a seraphim with a burning coal, leading him to respond, “Here I am; send me!”

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138

  • "In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord." The psalm expresses gratitude and trust in God's faithfulness and help.

Second Reading: From the First Letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)

  • St. Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel he preached to them, emphasizing the resurrection of Jesus and his own unworthiness, yet chosen by God's grace to be an apostle.

Gospel: From the Gospel of Luke (Luke 5:1-11)

  • This passage recounts the calling of the first disciples. Jesus instructs Peter to cast his nets into the deep water, leading to a miraculous catch of fish. Peter acknowledges his sinfulness, but Jesus calls him and his companions to become "fishers of men."

It is fascinating how the three readings from today share so many common themes:

  1. All the subjects were called.

  2. All of them felt unworthy of the task.

  3. All of them were forgiven in some way and exceeded their own expectations.

To receive God's pardon, there is one essential requirement: We need to want to be pardoned.

Reflecting on the Second Reading and the Gospel, why did Jesus choose St. Peter and St. Paul instead of individuals who were perceived as more virtuous or knowledgeable about the law? (Not to say they weren't good, but their faith was somewhat shaken by life's challenges.)

Wouldn't it have been easier? Perhaps. But the point is that Jesus wanted to demonstrate that everyone is capable of fulfilling God's mission, even if they feel unworthy.

There is a passage that beautifully captures this message: "On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" —Matthew 9:12-13 (NIV)

So, there are two significant takeaways from the readings of the Fifth Sunday:

  1. We can be forgiven as long as we desire it.

  2. We are all called by Jesus, regardless of how unworthy we may feel.

Let us seize this opportunity to connect with Jesus, understand the calling He has for us, and discover how we can serve.

Have you recognized Christ in your life today? I sincerely hope so. Please share your experiences with us in the comments.

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Did you know that Christmas means the Mass of Christ? Christ + Mass = Christmas. We are all called to be witnesses of Christ. While some do this by spreading the word, others do it through their actions. As a computer professional, I choose to share my faith through this blog. During last Sunday's Mass, the priest encouraged us to read the scriptures, meditate on them, and share our reflections. This blog is my way of fulfilling that suggestion. Here’s why I decided to start it: I've had this idea for a while, and now I've decided to bring it to life. It aligns with Fr. Jamie's suggestion. It motivates me to keep my readings up-to-date. It helps me grow spiritually. Last, but definitely not least, it helps YOU grow as well. I hope this blog helps you achieve your spiritual goals. I also hope it helps you better understand who Jesus WAS, IS, and WILL BE in our lives.
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3rd Sunday in Ordinary time (Year C)

  First Reading: From the Book of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10) The reading recounts Ezra reading the Law to the people of Israel, who respond with reverence and commitment to follow God's teachings. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19 "Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life." The psalm celebrates the perfection and guidance provided by God's law. Second Reading: From the First Letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 12:12-30) St. Paul emphasizes the unity and diversity of the Church, comparing it to a body with many parts, each with its unique role and importance. Gospel: From the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21) The Gospel begins with Luke’s introduction and then recounts Jesus' return to Galilee. He reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, proclaiming the fulfillment of the scripture that announces the coming of the Messiah. Today, I'd like to reflect on the Second Reading, which deeply moved me. St. Paul’s message in the Second Reading fr...
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