Reflection on Today’s Mass Readings from the Old Testament and the Gospel

I was able to make it to the 12 noon Mass at St. Anne’s in Jersey City. We had a lot of snow this weekend and it was a big mess with parking. The Priest started mass by acknowledging the nature of the weather and how people still came out. Whether rain, shine or snow, our spirits are desperate for the Lord, I thought to myself after he acknowledged our commitment to the Lord. 

The First Reading: Isaiah’s Vision

"In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple." (Isaiah 6:1, NIV)  

This moment came at a time of transition and uncertainty. King Uzziah’s death marked the end of an era, and Isaiah, likely filled with anxiety about the future, was granted a vision of God's glory. It was a reminder that no earthly leader, no matter how powerful, is greater than the sovereign Lord.  

The Gospel: 

"When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" (Luke 5:8, NIV)  

Peter’s response reflects a deep awareness of his own flaws in the presence of divine holiness. Yet, instead of rejecting him, Jesus calls Peter to something greater, discipleship and transformation. Come and follow me and I'll make you fishers of men. Profound. 

These passages then reminded us that divine encounters often happen in moments of crisis or self-awareness. In today’s world, many of us feel lost in times of political change, social upheaval, or personal failure, daily struggles with life. Like Isaiah, we may fear the uncertainty of leadership changes or societal shifts, yet God remains sovereign and we must always be willing to stand up and go when He wants us to. I wrote a piece about this earlier before mass. The challenges we are facing as a people cannot be fixed by mere mortals. It's bigger than any one political figure of our time. 

And like Peter, we may feel unworthy due to our sins, mistakes, yet Jesus calls us not to despair but to follow Him.  

These readings encourage us to recognize God's presence even in our brokenness and to trust that He calls imperfect people for His perfect mission.

May your will be done, Lord!

God bless you

Ronnie Law