The First Reading is recorded in Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13). Some background to the reading is that King Uzziah was one of the longest-living kings of the southern kingdom on Judah, and under his rule the nation of Judah experienced peace and prosperity. However, King Uzziah tried to offer incense in the Temple in Jerusalem, and was struck with leprosy. Because of this, his son ruled as regent in his place. King Uzziah’s death would have caused grief in Jerusalem and Judah. In the year of his death, the prophet Isaiah saw the LORD sitting on a throne high above the Temple. He heard the seraphim singing their on-going song (see also Revelation 4:8) “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” This is the on-going song in heaven that we join when we sing the Sanctus: Holy, holy, holy,… in the Communion liturgy. What an awesome sight! What an awesome experience for us to join in the heavenly song!

Notice Isaiah’s response to the vision of the LORD: “Woe is me!…” He realized his sinfulness, and expected to be destroyed, but the LORD sent one of the seraphim to take away his guilt. Then the LORD wondered who would go for Him to proclaim His message. Isaiah quickly responds: Here I am! Send me. And the Lord does send Isaiah to be the Lord’s messenger.

In Christ we have been cleansed of our sin, let us also step up to be the Lord’s messengers in this troubled world.

Lord God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we join the seraphim in their on-going song: Holy, holy, holy are You, Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of Your glory! Let us always sing Your praises. Empower us with Your Holy Spirit to go to the world and proclaim the forgiveness, life, and love we have in Jesus. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

The psalm is Psalm 138. Notice that the psalm begins with praise and then proclaims that the LORD has delivered the psalmist. Because of God’s faithfulness all the kings and people of the earth will proclaim God’s greatness. Read the psalm carefully to see the progression that happens in the psalm.

O Lord of steadfast love and mercy, we thank and praise You that You have redeemed us in Jesus. Let us share the redemption You have accomplished with others, so that they will be drawn to You and give You thanks and praise. Amen.

The Second Reading is recorded in 1 Corinthians 14:12b-20, and is a continuation of readings in 1 Corinthians 12, 13, and 14. The church in Corinth was getting caught up in spiritual pride. Paul reminded them in 1 Corinthians 13 that the love of Christ as shared in their lives is more important than spiritual gifts. In this section of chapter 14 Paul pointed out that spiritual gifts should be for the building up of the Church, this would be an expression of the love of Christ.

Holy Spirit, thanks and praise be to You for giving gifts to each of us so that we can build each other up in faith in Christ. Let the love of Christ be our motivation in building up each other. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The Gospel is recorded in Luke 5:1-11. Notice Jesus is again teaching, and the people are eager to hear His message, so much so, He has to get into a boat to avoid being pushed into the water. Peter allowed his boat to be used as Jesus’ pulpit. But Jesus wants Peter, so He causes a miracle catch of fish to get his attention. Notice Peter’s response when he realizes he is in the presence of the Lord: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Instead of avoiding Peter, Jesus called him to a new mission in life: to catch people for the Lord and bring them into the kingdom of God. The response of Peter and his associates? They left everything and followed Jesus.

We, too, have been called by the Lord to bring people into His kingdom. Most of us are called where we are in life, and to be faithful in sharing the Good News of Jesus with others in whatever place we are in life. Let us share Jesus.

Lord Jesus, we thank and praise You that You have called us to follow. Some have been called to leave everything and follow You, others are called to follow in whatever station or situation we are in. Let us heed Your call to follow, to proclaim You by word and action, and to bring others into Your kingdom. In Your Name we pray. Amen.