February 6, 2022 - The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.”

Psalm 138:1c

Readings

Isaiah 6:1-2a,3-8

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Luke 5:1-11

Reflection

by Sister Joseph Fennimore, OSB

We have much to be grateful for, to others who participate in our lives, to the God of love

who continually sustains and gives us what is needed to go through life each day. In the Book of Psalms there are many thanksgiving prayers, one of which is Psalm 138 and is the responsorial psalm for today. It is one of my daily prayers. It is a profound way of giving gratitude to God and of seeking his help. My favorite verse is “When I called you answered me; you built up strength within me.” I have used this verse many times when I needed courage and help to deal with a difficult situation. God has always come through and I say this psalm with gratitude and thanksgiving.

Each of the readings for today has a story of a call from God. Isaiah, in the first reading, says “yes”to God’s words, “Whom shall I send?” In the second reading Paul turns from being a persecutor to a preacher of the Word. In the Gospel four disciples are called to leave their old way of life and follow Jesus. These initial calls are the primary calls, the vocations through which people are invited to love and serve God as our way to help build the kingdom and achieve union with Him.

Most of us know our primary vocation and have responded to it. However, there are calls within the call, which we all are given. Have we taken time to ponder them and reflect on the graces they contain? We find ourselves being ask to do volunteer work, to enter the political field and run for public office, to organize and run a soup kitchen, to teach religious education,

things we thought we would never do. These secondary calls enrich our lives and give us opportunity for spiritual growth and development.

Thanksgiving and gratitude should be a part of our daily lives. We need to give thanks for all the graces given to us through the calls we have been given.

From the Rule of St. Benedict

“What is more delightful than the voice of the Lord calling us? See how the Lord in his love shows us the way of life.” Prologue, Verses 19 & 20

Gospel Acclamation

“Come after me and I will make you fishers of men and women.” Matthew 4:19