FEB 9, 2025
SOURCE: Catholic Resources by Rev. Felix Just, S.J.
BISHOP
BARRON
SUNDAY
SERMON
PODCASTS
Bishop Barron
Archive
5th Sunday of Year C
Encountering God's grace leads to a deeper awareness of our sinfulness and empowers us to trust in Jesus' authority, ultimately guiding us toward fulfilling our divine mission.
- 00:00 Encountering the divine starts with God's grace, not our own efforts.
- The readings from Isaiah and Luke illustrate the spiritual calling and the profound experience of encountering the divine.
- The spiritual life begins with a breakthrough of grace from God, not through our own efforts or processes.
- 02:15 Jesus calls us to trust Him with our lives and recognize His authority as Lord, not just a servant to our needs.
- Jesus' request to use Simon's boat highlights the significance of personal possessions and the trust involved in sharing one's livelihood.
- Jesus enters our lives uninvited and asserts His authority, challenging us to recognize Him as Lord rather than a servant to our needs.
- 03:49 Allowing Jesus to guide your life leads to abundant spiritual rewards beyond your own efforts.
- 05:17 Grace reveals our sinfulness, guiding us toward true spiritual awareness and a healthy perspective like that of the saints.
- The invasion of grace reveals our sinfulness, as true spiritual awareness begins with recognizing grace rather than starting with an acknowledgment of sin.
- Saints recognize their sinfulness as they strive toward the light, reflecting a healthy spiritual perspective.
- 07:38 Experiencing God's grace reveals our sinfulness, as seen in Peter's reaction to the miraculous catch, highlighting that authentic vocations often start with a profound encounter with God that makes us feel unworthy.
- Experiencing God's grace leads to a deeper awareness of one's sinfulness, as illustrated by Peter's reaction to the miraculous catch of fish.
- Authentic vocations often begin with a dramatic encounter with God, leading individuals to feel unworthy, which is a common experience shared by all, including the speaker.
- 09:34 Grace reveals our sinfulness and God's love, guiding us toward fulfillment of His will through acknowledgment and purification.
- Grace initiates a transformative awareness of sin, revealing that God's love precedes our efforts to seek forgiveness.
- God must address our sins to enable us to fulfill His will, as seen in the purification process exemplified by Peter's acknowledgment of his sinfulness.
- 11:21 Experiencing God's grace and recognizing our sins empower us to fulfill our mission of salvation, as exemplified by Jesus calling Peter to transform his life and the Church.
- Experiencing God's grace and acknowledging sin prepares us for our mission to be vehicles of salvation for others.
- Jesus calls Peter, a sinful fisherman, to leave everything behind and embark on a transformative mission that ultimately shapes the foundation of the Church.
- 13:23 Jesus transforms lives by addressing sin and sending individuals on a continuing mission, as illustrated in Isaiah and Luke.
Grace and Spiritual Journey
Q: How does grace initiate the spiritual life?
A: Grace invades our lives as an unmerited gift from God, not through our own efforts, as exemplified by Isaiah's call and Peter's encounter with Jesus.
Q: What does Jesus' command to "go into deep waters" symbolize?
A: It represents a call to embark on a deeper spiritual journey, moving beyond the shallows to find spiritual riches and abundance, illustrated by the miraculous catch of fish.
Sin and Purification
Q: What is the rhythm of the spiritual journey?
A: The spiritual journey follows a pattern of grace breaking in, awareness of sin, and mission, as seen in Isaiah's call and Peter's commissioning.
Q: How does God deal with our sin in the spiritual journey?
A: God purifies us to fulfill our mission, exemplified by the seraph touching Isaiah's lips with an ember, removing wickedness and purging sin.
Mission and Sainthood
Q: What typically follows a profound experience of God in the Bible?
A: Every significant encounter with God in the Bible results in the person being sent on mission to share His grace, as seen in Peter's commissioning to be a "fisher of men".
Q: Why do saints often consider themselves the "worst of sinners"?
A: Saints like the Little Flower and Padre Pio view themselves this way because they direct their lives toward the light of grace, which reveals their sinfulness more clearly.
Introduction and Context
a. What are the parallel accounts being highlighted in the sermon?
b. Discuss the context in which Isaiah and Peter encountered God's grace. What were the key moments in each story?
2. The Breakthrough of Grace
a. What does Bishop Barron mean by "the invasion of grace"?
b. Reflect on your own experiences. Have you had moments where grace seemed to break into your life unexpectedly?
c. Discuss the cultural and personal tendencies to create structured spiritual processes. How does this compare to the notion of grace spontaneously breaking through?
3. The Response to Grace
a. How does Simon Peter’s reaction to Jesus' presence illustrate the response to divine grace?
b. Consider what it means to allow Jesus into the "boat" of your life. How can this metaphor apply to different aspects of your existence?
4. Awareness of Sin
a. How did Isaiah and Peter become aware of their sinfulness after their encounters with grace?
b. Explore the connection between experiencing divine grace and recognizing one's own imperfections.
5. Purification and Forgiveness
a. What is the significance of the angels purifying Isaiah's lips and Jesus addressing Peter’s sin?
b. Discuss the role of purification in the spiritual journey. How does this prepare an individual for their mission in life?
6. The Mission
a. What mission did God assign to Isaiah and Peter after their transformative experiences?
b. Reflect on the notion that God’s grace is not just for personal salvation but is meant to propel individuals towards a mission for others. What mission might you feel called to carry out?
7. Personal Reflection and Application
a. How can the sequence of grace, awareness of sin, purification, and mission be applied to your own life and spiritual journey?
b. Spend some time reflecting on Isaiah 6 and Luke 5. How do these readings inspire or challenge you in your current circumstances?
8. Impact and Legacy
a. How did Peter’s mission impact the early Church, as illustrated by the building of St. Peter's Basilica?
b. Consider what legacy you hope to leave behind as a result of God working in your life.
9. Concluding Thoughts
a. Discuss insights or perspectives gained from the sermon and group discussion.
b. How can you carry the themes of this sermon into your daily life moving forward?
COMING SOON
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5th Sunday of Year C
COMING SOON
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TIME-STAMPED VIDEOS
The Jesuit-Post
5th Sunday of Year C
Embracing our brokenness allows us to deepen our relationship with Jesus, who welcomes us into a transformative friendship regardless of our feelings of unworthiness.
- 00:00 Embracing our brokenness brings us closer to Jesus, who invites us into a transformative friendship despite our feelings of unworthiness.
Responding to Unworthiness
Q: How does Jesus respond when we feel unworthy?
A: When we confront our brokenness and sinfulness, Jesus invites us into a deeper relationship rather than departing, as demonstrated in his response to Peter's plea to "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man".
Transformation Through Friendship
Q: What is the significance of Jesus' call to "Follow me"?
A: Jesus' invitation to "Follow me" transforms our feelings of unworthiness into an opportunity for life-changing friendship, emphasizing the importance of expressing our vulnerabilities to deepen our connection with God.
Introduction
- Begin by watching the "One-Minute Homily" together as a group to set the stage for the discussion.
- Set a welcoming tone for open and honest sharing about personal experiences in relation to the theme of brokenness and calling.
Key Themes and Questions
1. Jesus’ Invitation Despite Our Brokenness
- Reflect on the passage from Luke’s Gospel about the miraculous catch of fish and Peter’s reaction to Jesus (Luke 5:1-11).
- How does Peter’s reaction (“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man”) resonate with you in moments of recognizing your own imperfections?
- Discuss the importance of expressing our brokenness to God. How does this influence your spiritual journey?
2. Responding to a Sense of Unworthiness
- Share personal experiences where you have felt unworthy or distant from God. How did you cope with these feelings?
- How does the knowledge that Jesus invites us closer, despite our shortcomings, impact your view of God’s love and grace?
3. Jesus’ Response to Our Confession
- Consider Jesus’ response to Peter, inviting him to follow despite his confession of sin. What does this say about God’s perspective of our past mistakes?
- As a group, discuss ways we can be more open to hearing and accepting Jesus’ call to “Follow me,” even in difficult times.
Practical Application
- What steps can we take individually and as a community to deepen our friendship with Jesus, especially when grappling with a sense of unworthiness?
- Identify concrete actions you can incorporate in your daily life to ensure that your feelings of brokenness do not hinder your relationship with God.
Closing Activity
- Conclude the session by inviting members to share one thing they will take away from the discussion and how it will influence their spiritual practice.
- Offer a period of silent reflection or prayer, focusing on being open to Jesus’ invitation in your life.
5th Sunday of Year C
COMING SOON
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HOMILY
5th Sunday of Year C
Simon Peter's encounter with Jesus leads him to acknowledge his sinfulness and unworthiness, while also emphasizing that faith in Christ provides strength and hope in the face of challenges and suffering.
- 00:00 Simon Peter, overwhelmed by the miraculous catch of fish, recognizes Jesus' divinity and humbly acknowledges his own sinfulness.
- 00:33 Simon Peter recognizes his sinfulness in the presence of Christ, feeling unworthy and fearful of their connection.
- 00:53 Do not fear the challenges ahead, as faith in the Lord provides strength despite knowing the trials to come.
- 01:26 Do not fear suffering or failure, for Christ's love conquers all and promises ultimate triumph and heavenly rest for the faithful.
Understanding Christ's Divinity and Human Sinfulness
Q: What does Peter's reaction to the miraculous catch of fish reveal?
A: Peter's reaction reveals his recognition of Jesus' divinity and his own sinfulness, leading him to feel frightened and ask Jesus to leave him.
The Meaning of "Do Not Be Afraid"
Q: What does Jesus mean when He says "Do not be afraid" to Peter?
A: Jesus' words don't promise to remove suffering or prevent the Cross, but point to the triumph of Christ's resurrection and His everlasting love, despite future challenges.
Applying Jesus' Message to Our Lives
Q: How can we apply Jesus' message of "Do not be afraid" in our own lives?
A: We can apply it when feeling miserable, weak, or sinful, or when facing significant challenges, by keeping our focus on the glory and heavenly rest Christ promises to the faithful.
Christ's Ultimate Triumph
Q: What is the ultimate outcome of Jesus' love and power?
A: Jesus' love will conquer death and all its forces through His resurrection, offering mercy to those who fail and triumph to those who remain faithful, even in the face of persecution or death.
1. Simon Peter’s Reaction to the Miracle
- What is significant about Simon Peter's reaction to the miraculous catch of fish?
- How does Peter's response reflect both a recognition of Jesus' divine nature and an awareness of his own sinfulness?
- Have you ever had a moment of personal revelation when faced with an overwhelming experience?
2. Fear and Recognition of Sinfulness
- Why might Peter have been frightened upon recognizing his sinfulness in the presence of Jesus?
- Discuss the relationship between the acknowledgment of one's sins and the response to the divine.
- How do we often react when we realize our own shortcomings or sins?
3. Jesus’ Response to Fear
- What is the significance of Jesus telling Peter, "Do not be afraid"?
- How does Jesus' knowledge of Peter's future (including his successes, failures, and suffering) influence the meaning of these words?
- How can these words be applied to our own lives today when we are faced with fear and uncertainty?
4. The Triumph of Christ's Resurrection
- Analyze how the sermon connects Jesus' assurance to Peter with the triumph of the resurrection.
- What does it mean to live without fear in light of Christ’s ultimate victory over death?
- How can this perspective help us endure our own trials and sufferings?
5. Personal Reflection and Application
- In what ways does the assurance "do not be afraid" resonate with you personally in your current life situation?
- How can we keep our eyes fixed on the heavenly promises that Christ offers?
- What practical steps can we take to remain faithful amidst challenges and fears?
5th Sunday of Year C
Embracing uncertainty in ministry and surrendering to Jesus' guidance enables us to serve others, share the Gospel through our actions, and experience abundant blessings.
- 00:00 Embracing uncertainty in ministry, a humble heart allows us to serve others and trust in Jesus' reassurance.
- 00:53 Abundant blessings come when we surrender our efforts to Jesus and allow His grace to guide us.
- 01:24 Everyone is called to share the Gospel through their everyday actions and trust in Jesus, revealing His joy and love to those around them.
Responding to God's Call
Q: How should one respond when feeling unworthy or uncertain?
A: Open your heart and listen to Jesus' reassuring voice saying "Do not be afraid," as emphasized in the Two-Minute Reflection for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2025.
Q: What's crucial for becoming an instrument of God?
A: A humble and docile heart is essential to become an instrument of God, allowing the grace of Jesus to work through you despite personal limitations and sinfulness.
Spreading the Gospel
Q: How can baptized individuals participate in the Church's mission?
A: Share in the Mission where you are—at school, kids' sports, and daily activities—by revealing God's face and becoming a "fisher of men" through your example of life.
Q: What does the Church need to bring the Gospel to those in need?
A: The Church needs witnesses who can bring the Good News to those who need it most, through teaching faith to children and bringing joy to others.
Trust and Grace
Q: What happens when we rely solely on our own strength?
A: When trying to do things your own way, you may feel like you've worked hard to catch nothing, but nets are filled abundantly only when you let Jesus' grace work in you.
Q: What kind of response does Jesus' call for evangelization require?
A: Jesus' call to spread His word requires the kind of trust and faith that makes you willing to leave everything to follow Him and become a witness to the joy of the Gospel.
Introduction: This discussion guide is based on the reflection delivered by Deacon Ivan and Liliana Ortiz, focusing on faith, ministry, and living out the Gospel in everyday life. The guide aims to facilitate reflection and discussion among small groups and study sessions.
1. Personal Experiences in Ministry
a. Reflect on a time when you felt uncertain about the direction of your life or ministry. How did faith help you navigate through those uncertainties?
b. Discuss the significance of having a humble and docile heart in becoming an instrument of God. How have you experienced this in your own life?
2. Relying on God’s Strength
a. Share experiences where you have attempted to achieve goals through your own strength and felt like you "caught nothing." What changed when you allowed God's grace to work through you?
b. Consider the ways in which fear of inadequacy often holds us back. How does Jesus' reassurance of "Do not be afraid" encourage you to step out in faith?
3. The Role of Witness in Everyday Life
a. Discuss the idea that spreading the Gospel is not limited to the ordained but involves all the baptized. How can you actively participate in this mission within your daily activities?
b. How does living out your faith at school, work, or in social settings serve as a witness to others? Share examples of how your actions can reveal the face of God to others.
4. Embracing the Call to Follow Jesus
a. If Jesus called you today to follow Him more closely, what sacrifices or changes might that require in your life? Discuss the challenges and joys associated with such a commitment.
b. Reflect on the sense of trust and control that comes from knowing Jesus is with you. How does this belief impact your confidence in sharing the joy of the Gospel with others?
Conclusion: Encourage group members to spend time in prayer and reflection, seeking a deeper understanding of their unique role in spreading the Gospel. Challenge them to identify one specific action they can take in the coming week to embody the message of this sermon in their daily lives.
FATHER
PETER
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5th Sunday of Year C
God's constant presence and love empower us to face life's challenges, encouraging us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace a deeper relationship with Him.
- 00:00 God is always present with us, providing strength and hope through life's challenges, even when we may not feel his presence.
- 01:43 Isaiah, the prophet of Judah, experiences a profound vision of God, filled with fear, but finds reassurance as an angel purges his sin.
- 02:08 He answers the call to serve, embodying the spirit of the invitation presented.
- 02:15 St. Paul emphasizes the importance of unity in the Corinthian Church by reminding them of the foundational truth of Christ's death and resurrection.
- 03:00 Paul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus contrasts sharply with the more ordinary gospel scene of Isaiah's encounter.
- 03:23 Jesus calls Peter, James, and John to deeper waters, leading to a miraculous catch of fish that inspires them to leave everything and follow Him.
- 04:09 Jesus personally reaches out to us in every moment of our lives, especially through the Holy Eucharist, inviting us to encounter him deeply.
- 04:57 Embrace God's unchanging love by stepping out of comfort zones and boldly sharing that love, transforming our lives with joy and peace amidst life's uncertainties.
Core Teachings
Q: What is the most fundamental truth of Church teaching?
A: The most basic truth is that God loves us with a constant, infinite love, always engaging and inviting us to more deeply experience that love.
Q: What is the core event of the Christian faith according to St. Paul?
A: St. Paul emphasizes Christ's death for our sins, resurrection on the third day, and appearances to the apostles and Paul as the central event of faith.
Divine Presence and Guidance
Q: How is God present in our lives, even during difficult times?
A: God is always with us, offering strength, consolation, and hope in every moment, even when His presence feels veiled or hidden.
Q: Where can we most profoundly encounter Jesus in our daily lives?
A: Jesus comes to us most intimately in the sublime sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, where He touches us, enters our being, and speaks to us.
Spiritual Growth and Challenges
Q: What does Jesus call us to do in our spiritual lives?
A: Jesus calls us to leave our comfort zones, routines, and securities, put out into deep water, trust in Him, and boldly proclaim His love.
Q: How should we approach the changing circumstances of life?
A: Amidst life's joys and sorrows, we must always remember that God's infinite love and care for us is the one constant that never changes.
Opening Discussion
1. What stages and challenges have you experienced recently in your life? How have you felt God's presence during these times—was it strong or perhaps more hidden?
2. Reflect on a moment when you felt God's presence most vividly. What circumstances surrounded that experience?
First Reading Discussion: Isaiah's Encounter
1. Discuss Isaiah's vision and encounter with God. How did apprehension and fear play a role in his experience?
2. What does Isaiah's response, "Here I am; send me," signify for us today? How can we apply his willingness to accept God's call in our own lives?
Second Reading Discussion: Paul's Message to the Corinthians
1. Examine Paul's emphasis on unity within the Corinthian church. Why does he focus on the core tenet of faith that Christ died and was resurrected?
2. Share your insights on the significance of Paul's dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. How does it differ from Isaiah's experience?
Gospel Discussion: The Call of Peter, James, and John
1. Contrast the ordinariness of Peter, James, and John's encounter with Jesus to Isaiah and Paul's more dramatic experiences. What can we learn from this about encountering God in our daily routines?
2. Describe the significance of Jesus's instruction to "put out into the deep water." In what ways can leaving our comfort zones deepen our faith?
Application and Reflection
1. Explore the idea that God comes to us in every situation and through the Holy Eucharist. How can we become more aware of His presence in our daily lives?
2. As we reflect on the call to "leave everything" and follow Jesus, what are some specific things that may be holding you back from fully embracing this call?
3. Discuss how understanding God's infinite and constant love transforms our experience of life's changing circumstances, both joyful and sorrowful.
5th Sunday of Year C
The Sunday of the Word of God emphasizes the importance of God's Word in sustaining life and truth, encouraging unity and joy in the face of challenges, particularly in affirming the sanctity of life.
- 00:00 Today is designated as Sunday of the Word of God, inviting reflection on the significance of the Word made flesh and its ongoing presence in the life of the Church.
- 01:14 God's Word, revealed through creation and scripture, sustains all reality and offers eternal life to believers.
- 02:26 Satan undermines God's plan by promoting a culture of subjective truth, leading to confusion and a denial of the divine.
- 03:24 Jesus proclaims the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in the synagogue, revealing his identity as the Messiah who will restore humanity.
- 04:09 Accepting God's truth, even when shocking, leads to joy and peace, while rejection breeds fury.
- 05:06 The priest encourages the people to rejoice and celebrate with joy rather than sadness while reflecting on the teachings of the law.
- 05:35 Strength is found in unity, as demonstrated by the tens of thousands who gathered for the March for Life despite challenges.
- 06:04 A massive crowd united to affirm the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, emphasizing that unity in Christ is vital for cultural and societal well-being.
- A crowd of about a hundred thousand gathered to affirm the belief that all human life is precious from conception to natural death, opposing cultural views that equate pro-life and pro-choice positions.
- Unity in Christ and adherence to His truth are essential for the health of culture, society, and the church, leading to true joy and happiness.
Divine Revelation
Q: How does St. Irenaeus explain the revelation of God?
A: According to St. Irenaeus, the Son reveals the Father, offering eternal life to believers and revealing the Creator through creation.
Q: What did St. Athanasius write about the Holy Word of the Father?
A: St. Athanasius stated that the Holy Word pervades all reality, sustaining everything visible and invisible with its power.
Scripture Fulfillment
Q: How did Jesus fulfill prophecy in the Nazareth synagogue?
A: Jesus read from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, declaring its fulfillment in their hearing, causing shock and amazement.
Joy in God's Word
Q: What message did the priest convey in Nehemiah 8?
A: The priest encouraged joy, not condemnation, urging people to eat rich foods, drink sweet drinks, and rejoice in the Lord as the source of strength.
Unity in Christ
Q: How does St. Paul describe unity among believers?
A: St. Paul teaches that we are all part of the body of Christ, remaining united only through connection to Christ and His truth.
Power of God's Word
Q: What do the readings reveal about the power of God's word?
A: The readings demonstrate that God's word has the power to fulfill prophecy and evoke strong reactions like shock and amazement in hearers.
Introduction
- Reflect on the significance of the "Sunday of the Word of God" as designated by Pope Francis.
- Consider the central theme of the Word as the complete utterance of the Father, embodied in Jesus Christ.
1. Understanding the Word
- Discuss the nature and role of the Word as co-eternal with the Father and as the second person of the Blessed Trinity.
- Explore how the Word became flesh and continues to dwell among us through the life of the Church, sacraments, and teachings.
2. Insights from Church Fathers
- Saint Irenaeus:
- Examine the idea that no one can know the Father apart from the Word.
- Consider how the Word reveals God and offers eternal life.
- Saint Athanasius:
- Discuss the pervasive power of the Word in sustaining all things.
- Reflect on how the Word reveals God’s order, beauty, and truth.
3. Challenges to the Truth
- Analyze how Satan attempts to assault God's plan and truth, leading to a culture of relativism.
- Discuss the impact of subjective truth claims on faith and society.
- Consider the consequences of denying a universal and binding truth.
4. Jesus’ Proclamation in the Synagogue
- Reflect on Jesus reading from Isaiah and declaring the fulfillment of scripture.
- Discuss the reactions of shock and amazement and compare them to our modern reactions to uncomfortable truths.
5. Embracing the Truth
- Discuss how we can strive to be in the group that accepts God's truth and experiences His peace and joy.
- Reflect on the message from Nehemiah, emphasizing joy in God’s commands and presence.
6. The March for Life Reflection
- Reflect on the significance of the March for Life in Washington, D.C., and its implications for understanding and witnessing the truth about the sanctity of life.
- Discuss the societal and cultural challenges posed by differing views on life and how these reflect broader issues of truth and moral order.
7. Unity in the Body of Christ
- Explore the concept from Saint Paul that we are all part of the Body of Christ and that unity is grounded in adherence to Christ's truth.
- Discuss ways to strengthen communion with the Word of God in our daily lives.
5th Sunday of Year C
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
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FATHER
JUDE
LANGEH
5th Sunday of Year C
Called, Cleansed and Commissioned
\The Bible presents us with wonderful “iconic vocation-stories”. God called Abraham and made him the father of all nations. The fearful and ‘slow tongued’ Moses was called by God to ask Pharaoh to liberate the Israelites. Young David was called and made King. He called the persecutor Saul to become the apostle to the gentiles with the name Paul etc. Last week we heard about the call of Jeremiah, and in the readings of this Sunday, we hear the vocation stories of Isaiah and the apostle Peter. Three things run through these vocation stories which can be resumed into the words: Called, Cleansed and Commissioned.
God calls us every day to participate in his mission. It is a privilege for us that despite our unworthiness, God coopts us to share in his salvific word. In most cases we consider ourselves unworthy and try to disqualify ourselves. But when we are down to nothing, God is up to something. He calls us despite our weakness, he purifies and commissions us.
God calls us in various ways. In the case of Isaiah, it was a vision. Isaiah remembers exactly when it was–the year that King Uzziah died. He remembers what he saw: God on a throne seated in the Temple. The Apostles in the Gospel were called, this time not within a prayer environment, church or temple, but at their jobsites! They were doing their normal and daily works when God called. God knows we are unclean; he knows we are unworthy so he himself cleanses us. This is almost typical of all calls! Moses did everything to reject the call because of his unworthiness to speak, same thing with Jeremiah because of his youthfulness. Isaiah says it in clear terms: “What a wretched state I am in! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips” …. Peter simply says, “I am a sinful man” …. When we get in contact with God, despite our uncleanliness, we are cleansed.
After cleansing us, God commissions us, this means he gives us a specific mission. To some it seems an IMPOSSIBLE one. Isaiah was given the difficult mission of telling people who believed they were God's people that they had forsaken God and would suffer the consequences for their disobedience. The Apostles were given the mission of being fishers of men!
Today God continues to call us. We need to personally hear the powerful call of God and voluntarily respond to it. But God had to prepare Isaiah so that he would hear his call and respond to his mission. In the same vein, Christ prepared the twelve to be able to respond to his call. We also need to experience a portion of God's preparation of Isaiah that we too might have ears to hear and a heart to respond to God.
Let's use the following outline to look at how God prepared His servant to hear and positively respond to His call for ministry. Like Isaiah we must say HERE I AM SEND ME.
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