Last week we saw how God calls to everyone, and is not limited by our age, or any other factor.  If it wasn’t clear last week, it is made very clear this week that our unworthiness is not a factor, either. 

In our first reading Isaiah found himself unexpectedly in the presence of God.  Being a sinful man (as we ALL are) he knew that he was unworthy to look upon the holiness of God and live.  Isaiah was immediately forgiven and he took up the call of the Lord when he heard Him say, “Who will go and speak for me?” 

I the Gospel Simon is witness to the power of God when after a night of unsuccessful fishing Jesus instructs him to fish again and he, James, and John catch so many fish that their boats almost sink!  Simon implores Jesus to leave him since he is a sinner and did not have faith.  Jesus does not leave him but tells him he will be a fisher of men from now on.  Simon and the others left everything and followed Jesus.  Listen : Fish With Me

In these two readings we see the quick and ready response of the Lord to forgive our sins and to grant us grace for what we are called to do.  It is our part to be willing to answer that call with equal willingness as did Isaiah and the apostles.  What do we have to do today that is more important than the will of God?  Is there anything that we would put before the Lord?  There is a Psalm that says, “Here I am Lord; I come to do your will.”   

Psalm 40:7-11

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, “Behold I come.” 

God is not looking for us to remove our sin BEFORE answering His call.  It is not required that we be sinless for God to use us in His divine plan. 

The Psalm this week is #138: In the Sight of the Angels.

The sending forth song is Your Grace Is Enough

For Your Information: 

Ash Wednesday is February 17^th.  It marks the beginning of Lent.  Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation; however it is has one of the highest attendance rates in the church throughout the year!  Ashes are symbolic of repentance which is part of the focus of Lent.  The cross of ashes placed on our foreheads reminds us to turn away from sin and live the Gospel.  This reaffirms our promise at baptism, confirmation and communion and our profession of faith.  We need to refocus ourselves to the Gospel over and over during our lives.  During Lent we recognize and repent of our failure to live the Gospel and we renew our intentions to avoid sin and live the Gospel. 

Where do we get the ashes for Ash Wednesday?  Holy Trinity burns the palms from the previous Lent and Easter season to produce the ashes for Ash Wednesday.  If you have old, dry palms, from last Lent/Easter Holy Trinity is collecting them for burning for Ash Wednesday.  This weekend, I believe, is the last weekend they will be collected. 

In Christ,

Elaine