• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

The Passionists of Holy Cross Province

The Love that Compels

  • Migration
    • Statement from Passionist Leadership Regarding Current United States Immigration Policies
    • The Global Migration Crisis: What Can a Retreat Center Do?
  • Laudato Si’
    • Laudato Si’ 2023-24 Report and 2024-25 Plan
    • Ways to Live Laudato Siˊ
    • Sustainable Purchasing
      • Sustainable Purchasing Guide
      • Hints for Sustainable Meetings and Events
      • Sustainable Living Hints
    • Passion of the Earth, Wisdom of the Cross
    • Passionist Solidarity Network
    • Celebrating the Season of Creation
  • Pray
    • Daily Reflections
    • Prayer Request
    • Sunday Homily
    • Passionist Spirituality and Prayer
    • Video: Stations of the Cross
    • Prayer and Seasonal Cards
  • Grow
    • Proclaiming Our Passionist Story (POPS)
    • The Passionist Way
    • Retreat Centers
    • Passionist Magazine
    • Passionist Ministries
      • Preaching
      • Hispanic Ministry
      • Parish Life
      • Earth and Spirit Center
      • Education
      • Fr. Cedric Pisegna, CP, Live with Passion!
    • Passionist Solidarity Network
    • Journey into the Mystery of Christ Crucified
    • Celebrating the Feast of St. Paul of the Cross
    • Subscribe to E-News
    • Sacred Heart Monastery
      • History of Sacred Heart Monastery
      • A Day in the Life of Senior Passionists
      • “Pillars” of the Community
  • Join
    • Come and See Holy Week Discernment Retreat
    • Are You Being Called?
    • Province Leadership
    • Vocation Resources
    • Passionist Brothers
    • The Life of St. Paul of the Cross
    • Discerning Your Call
    • Pray With Us
    • Passionist Vocation Directors
    • World Day for Consecrated Life
    • Lay Partnerships
  • Connect
    • Find a Passionist
    • Passionist Websites
    • Fr. Cedric Pisegna, CP, Live with Passion!
    • Passionist Alumni Association
  • Support
    • Donate
    • Monthly Giving
      • St. Gemma Circle of Giving Intentions
    • Leave a Legacy
      • Giving Matters
      • Ways to Give
      • Donor Relations
      • Testimonials
    • Prayer and Seasonal Cards
    • Privacy Policy Statement
  • Learn
    • Our Passionist History: Webinar Series
    • Proclaiming Our Passionist Story (POPS)
    • Our Founder
    • History
    • The Letters of St. Paul of the Cross
    • The Diary of St. Paul of the Cross
    • Mission and Charism
    • Saints and Blesseds
    • FAQs
    • Find a Passionist
    • STUDIES IN PASSIONIST HISTORY AND SPIRITUALITY
  • Safe Environments

Daily Scripture, February 10, 2013

Scripture:

Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Luke 5:1-11

Reflection:

From the scripture stories of Isaiah, Paul, and Peter, they appear to be saintly and effective instruments of God. Yet each one first protested his unworthiness, and could easily have missed what God was calling him to do. Thousands of years later, that obstacle – the feeling of not being capable or worthy or perfect enough for the job – is still actively operating.

Try asking someone to serve on the pastoral council, as a catechist or lector, or any of the myriad roles of service in our parishes, schools, and communities. How many excuses do you hear? "I’m not good enough. I’m too busy with my work. Other people are better suited than I am. I don’t have sufficient experience." And on it goes. Those of us on the "asking" end get continually frustrated. We wouldn’t approach people unless we felt they had the necessary gifts, but too often they turn away.

What about me? Sometimes I honestly feel I am not worthy, gifted, or capable. Yet even honest doubts are complicated by the fact that I, too, would rather stick with what I know and avoid additional responsibilities.  I am afraid of failure, and prefer to let someone else take the risk and the job. Excuses are readily available, and I can rationalize my way into an abundance of them.

I suspect that my reluctance and self-protection too often frustrate God’s desires. What request is God placing in my lap that I am capable of fulfilling and yet I turn away? Perhaps more importantly, how is God calling me to stretch beyond what I believe I can do so greater work can be done? In what ways am I stuck (or even content) in the quagmire of unworthiness instead of praying that God purify my lips, give me all I need to accomplish the task, and grant me the courage to follow?

True discipleship is incredibly challenging. When I get too comfortable, or find myself making convenient excuses, I have to wonder whether God is calling. My task then is not to protest my unworthiness, but to prayerfully respond, "Here I am. Send me."

 

Amy Florian is a teacher and consultant working in Chicago.  For many years she has partnered with the Passionists.  Visit Amy’s website: http://www.amyflorian.com/.

Footer

Support the Passionists

Contact the Passionists

Name

The Passionists of Holy Cross Province
660 Busse Highway | Park Ridge, IL 60068
Tel: 847.518.8844 | Toll-free: 800.295.9048 | Fax: 847.518.0461
Safe Environments | Board Member Portal | Copyright © 2025 | Log in