5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
First reading Isaiah 6:1-2,3-8
On the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the first reading from Isaiah 6:1-2,3-8 presents the prophet’s profound encounter with God, where he receives his mission. This passage reminds us that in any mission, there must be someone who is sent by God. Isaiah’s vision of the Lord’s glory fills him with awe and humility, making him acutely aware of his unworthiness. Yet, through divine purification, he is transformed and made ready to respond to God’s call with the words, “Here I am, send me!” This pattern of divine commissioning is seen throughout salvation history—whether in the prophets, the apostles, or the saints—highlighting that true mission originates not from personal ambition but from God’s initiative. It is He who chooses, purifies, and sends, ensuring that His messengers act not by their own authority but as instruments of His will. This reading invites us to reflect on our own calling: Are we open to recognizing God’s invitation, allowing Him to purify us, and courageously stepping forward to fulfill the mission He entrusts to us? Let’s reflect: Am I open to recognizing God’s call in my life, and do I trust that He will equip me for the mission He entrusts to me, despite my weaknesses?
Don Giorgio