Being a Christian involves a call to action, to give witness. Each is given a special task. All grace is for action. No talent is meant to lie hidden and unused. From the shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem to the disciples at the empty tomb, the followers of Christ are called to spread the good news. This demands a way of life. Word sounds. Example thunders. Christianity was known as "the way". Our call is the age-old summons "to be . . . and not to seem!" Can we face the challenge?
We stand before the truth and approach the light. We are unaware of our dismal darkness of compromise and failure. The heart quails before the splendour of our calling and the spiritual poverty of our lives. Despair could engulf us.
Today we meet the poetprophet Isaiah. We are forever in his debt. He was in the court of kings in wealthy and decadent Jerusalem. In the temple he was granted a transforming vision amid Angel songs: "Holy! Holy! Holy!" For a moment he had a glimpse of God. Like us he feared to be a messenger of the Lord. In a mystical experience his lips were cleansed. An angel spoke words of comfort: "Your sin is taken away. Your iniquity is cleansed." He was granted new courage and holy hope. The Lord called and he could now answer in humility and love: "Here I am. Send me!" Our help today is in the name of the Lord. He will not fail us.
Paul also leads us safely from desolation and despair. He saw himself as the least of all of Christ's servants. He did not abandon hope. In the cross and resurrection he found vision, courage, and all needed strength to cope with his acknowledged frailty. He lights the way for all.
"I am most happy then to be proud of my weaknesses so that I can feel the protection of Christ's power over me. I am content with weakness and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong!"
May we so serve as to say in truth, "His Grace in me has not been fruitless." We remember the many different talents, the fruitful branches on the vine and the precious seed in fertile soil. We lift up our hearts and give thanks.
We come close to the Master by the lake of Galilee. The disciples had worked hard all night long and caught nothing. At Christ's saving word Peter put out into deeper water and let down the nets. The wonderous catch (the nets began to tear!) demanded a second boat. Both were filled to sinking. This gracious miracle made Peter deeply aware of sinfulness and shame: "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man". Healing and mercy with a special call were granted in fullness and at once. "Do not be afraid! From now on you will catch people."
Fittingly, people across the world on this day unite in prayer for all who are sick. We are at one with Lourdes where suffering people are most honoured guests. We, though robust in body, may need most deeply a healing of mind and of heart. In our weakness we call to the Redeeming Son of Mary. He will not reject our plea in Confiteor and Kyrie as we utter the Centurion's prayer, "Do- mine, non sum dignus: Lord I am not worthy!" In His love and everlasting mercy, He will speak the saving word. Then indeed we shall be healed, and at last find courage to say with Isiaih: "Here I am, Lord, Send me!"
F.MacN.