Readings for Sunday, February 7 — Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8; Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 or 15:3-8, 11; Luke 5:1-11

Suggested Reflection Questions:

• Blessed with a vision of the Almighty, the Prophet Isaiah professes both his unworthiness to be in God’s presence and his willingness to serve God. In what context do you most feel the presence of God? Is God inviting you to cooperate in welcoming of the Reign of Love on earth? How? Does something hold you back from saying, “here I am!”?

• In his first letter to the Corinthian community, Paul alludes to his former persecution of the Church, his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, and his commitment to serving Christ by working tirelessly to spread the Gospel. No matter what our past holds, we have the capacity to be great saints (just ask St. Augustine). Is there a wrong from your past that God is calling you to make right?

• When Simon, James, and John have their first encounter with Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, they are astonished at the overflowing bounty of fish in the nets after a long and fruitless night of work. They are amazed and they feel humbled and ashamed in the presence of Jesus who they recognize as the Messiah. Jesus tells Simon Peter not to be afraid. The fishermen are commissioned to follow Jesus. He saw that fear and shame were burdening the men. He gave them encouragement. Who in your life needs encouragement this week?