Reflections on the Gospel
Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Scripture Insights
Today’s readings are crucial for understanding the good news of Christ event. We begin with Isaiah’s vision of God’s throne room that results in his call to be God’s spokesperson. We move to the psalmist’s unwavering faith in God who protects him even when he speaks uncomfortable truth to power. This leads to Luke's narration of the call of the first disciples and Paul’s primal creed of the good news.
Unlike our disinclined Jeremiah from last week, Isaiah calls out, “Here I am . . . Send me!” (Is 6:8). He becomes the model for future prophets and disciples. Jesus, in Luke’s Gospel, is teaching by the sea and revealing the Word of God. In the midst of manifesting God’s prophetic activity, he encounters those who will be his disciples. Simo Peter, James, and John all enter into relationship with Jesus based on his word and deed. They eventually become prophets and apostles in their own rights, but now they are just beginning.
We have felt God’s call but continue to doubt: Could I really be the right person for the job? Let us recall our response when God invites us to behold the Eucharist, “Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” Let us feel assured that when we turn our eyes toward God, we see not judgement but only love.
God calls us to create safe space for ourselves and also to connect with others who are different in religion, race, age, language, or culture; to explore and revere unfamiliar neighborhoods, cities, or countries; to open our eyes, ears, and hearts to God’s presence there; and to welcome their presence in our Church.
You might have moments when you question if you are “good enough.” Turn to God for the answer and it will always be yes. God loves us in our imperfections and invites us to love ourselves. As we move through life, we will have people and places that feel safe- that feel like home- and we learn a lot about God from these spaces. We will also have opportunities to step outside our comfort zone and encounter new people and places, and we may be surprised by the ways we find God there.