FIFTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, CYCLE C

Open with a prayer: Thank you for gathering us together to share our lives and your Holy Word. Anoint us with your Holy Spirit so that each of us may hear the word you want us to hear. Unworthy though we are, may we like Isaiah, Paul and Peter, say "Yes" to your call and never be afraid to launch out into the deep. This we pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Sharing of life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?

Facilitator reads focus statement: There is a clear theme of vocation in all three readings. Notice how Isaiah, Paul and Peter all feel unworthy to be chosen by God to be his agents in the world. Also in the second reading, Paul witnesses to Jesus' resurrection.

Now read the readings, pausing briefly after each one. Consider reading the commentary after each reading, if you have not already done so.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8

In this reading, Isaiah shares with us how God called him to the ministry of prophet during a liturgical celebration in the Temple. We notice three movements: the theophany (God's appearance to Isaiah), the purification of the prophet and Isaiah's "Yes" to God's call: In the theophany, God discloses himself as Most Holy (holy, holy, holy). Isaiah catches a glimpse of the awesome majesty and mystery of God. The experience of God's holiness immediately makes Isaiah aware of his sinfulness and unworthiness before God. Isaiah experiences himself as a "man of unclean lips, living among an unclean people." Then God uses one of his angels to cleanse Isaiah. Purified of sin, Isaiah is now very ready to go and be God's spokesman. During his ministry he will frequently speak of God's holiness and Israel's sinfulness.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 138

This psalm is a very appropriate response for Isaiah and us after we have experienced the awesome presence of God.

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

For the next three Sundays, in the second reading, Paul reassures his readers that the Good News he shares with them is not his own creation. Rather, it is the message received from Christ himself, who died and has risen. His resurrection was testified by many. Then Paul, like Isaiah in the first reading and Peter in the gospel, testifies to his own unworthiness to preach the Gospel. Yet, unworthy though he is, God called him. In this reading Paul

especially challenges the Corinthians to accept the resurrection, not as someone's nice idea, but as a real historical fact.

GOSPEL: Luke 5:1-11

Isaiah experienced God in the temple, Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, and Peter encounters him at his place of work. Jesus' presence in the boat symbolizes his presence in and with the Church. Peter's lack of success at catching fish symbolizes the "futileness" of pastoral ministry without the presence and power of God. Discouragement is part and parcel of life. But we must not let it get us down. We must keep throwing out the net. In this Gospel, Jesus is calling to himself disciples who would in turn "catch" others for Christ by the "bait" of God's Word.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse, image or idea spoke to you most? Why?

2. Isaiah, Paul and Peter felt unworthy to do God's work. Have you ever felt like that before God? What helps you to deal with any sense of unworthiness that you may feel?

3. It has been said (and our first reading seems to bear this out) that "the closer we get to God, the more we will be aware of our sinfulness." Comment.

4. Most Catholics have a deep resistance to "catching others" for Christ. How can we help each other to overcome this resistance? If you have a story to tell in this area, share it.

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on today's readings. Think of one person you may be able to invite back to church or closer to Christ. Begin to pray for this person. When the time seems right, invite the person to church or to join your small group.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION.