Gospel reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C.

In the sight of the angels 

I will sing your praises, Lord. (Psalm 137)

Today's readings are centered around a divine Call. The prophet Isaiah received such a call and so did Peter by the shore of Lake Gennesaret. We are all familiar with the scene of Peter's call - Jesus tells him to take his boat into the lake and lower his net.  Peter obeys in faith, because a whole night's fishing has yielded nothing and  he is then overwhelmed by a huge haul of fish.  Even though we are now far removed from the shore of Lake Gennesaret, far removed in time from Peter and his boats, his nets and his companions, we are not removed from the call of Christ to follow him.

Jesus' Call to the Christian is repeated to every age and to every person. Jesus knocks on the door of every human heart. Then, when we reflect that what is at stake is our eternal life we come to the realization that Jesus' call is not an invitation, rather it is a command made in love.