There are probably more telephone calls made today than ever before. Almost everyone has some sort of cell phone or smart phone, and wherever you go you encounter people talking. Some people talk to each other every single day; others a few times a week; and others just periodically. Most calls are made to keep in touch and to nurture relationships.
Today’s scripture readings are all about calls as well. They are about God’s calling His people to follow him. In the first reading we have the call of Isaiah the prophet. His initial reaction is that he is unworthy of such a call. But God persists and Isaiah finally says: Here I am Lord. Send me.
In the Gospel reading we hear Jesus calling Peter, James, and John to follow Him after they had an astounding and miraculous catch of fish. Peter likewise resists because he feels unworthy, but Jesus reassures him and the rest is history as they say.
What is significant about all the times God calls people to follow Him the initial call is not the last time God communicates with them. God continually nurtures them and sustains them through His calling them throughout their lives. God doesn’t send them forth and abandon them. He walks by their side and keeps calling them to Himself.
This week we will be entering into the Season of Lent. Every year we set aside these six weeks to hear anew the call of God in our own lives. We are reminded that God initially called each of us through our Baptisms and reiterates that call throughout the course of our lives. Lent is a time for us to listen, to hear God’s loving invitation once again an to know that God has not abandoned us but walks by our wide at every step in this journey of life.
God’s call doesn’t come through our cell phone or our land line, but comes through the stirrings of our hearts. Lent is a quiet period to listen, to hear, and along with Isaiah to say: Here I am Lord.
Send me