Scripture:
Reflection:
The theme of today’s readings centers on mission; on being sent by God for a specific purpose to open hearts to God’s message. The prophet Isaiah writes of his vision of the throne of God in an epic display of holiness and worship. The ancients believed that to come face-to-face with God meant death; even the Seraphim covered their eyes in this sacred presence. Rather than being doomed, in this experience, Isaiah sees with new eyes his “unclean lips” and realizes his utter unworthiness before God. In the text, we read that in his new-found clarity, he is the one to judge himself and not God. In cleansing his “wickedness and sin,” the seraphim touches the ember to his lips.
When the question is posed, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” Isaiah answered, “Here I am, send me!” Having been purged of sin, he now speaks for God—affirming his prophetic voice. It’s important to note here that Isaiah did not instigate this call. It was the complete initiative of God. When it comes to the call of mission, God always takes the initiative. Sadly, as Jesus points out in our gospel, the fate of the disciple often follows the fate of the teacher. It was so for the Hebrew prophets and the disciples of Jesus. Yet, three times tells them to “not be afraid” but to speak the truth—even from the rooftops!
In the final verse of our text, Jesus reminds the disciples that denial of him to others means his denial of them to the Father. Yet isn’t that what Peter did in the worst possible moment, during his passion? However, rather than denying Peter to the Father, Jesus puts him in charge of his earthly mission. Perhaps this God, who even has the hairs on our heads counted, knows our hearts better than we do. Jesus knows that Peter loves him and so reverses Peter’s thrice denials, “I do not know him!” by thrice posing the question to him, “Do you love me?”
I see a correlation between the call of Isaiah and Peter. Both received what they needed to carry out their missionary call and gave it their all. While we may not have the missionary call of Isaiah or Peter, we are called nonetheless for a specific purpose. Like Isaiah, Peter, and others, we take up our mission to be that presence of God in our world, whatever our role or station in life. Being in the presence of God began their journey and is the same way for us.
How beautiful and spiritually nourishing to reflect on a God who knows even the sparrow’s fall and counts the very hairs on our heads. This God engages intimately with us and knows us more than we can ever comprehend. Therefore, as we come into God’s sacred and holy presence, like Isaiah, we can understand our need for cleansing and healing. Thus, creating a deep desire to be a disciple; however, it is only and always by the grace of God’s initiative.
Jean Bowler is a retreatant at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the Office of Mission Effectiveness Board of Holy Cross Province.