Fifth Sunday after Epiphany • Year C

Historical Collect

Stand watch over your family, O Lord, that we who depend entirely on your heavenly grace may always be protected in the mighty fortress of your love; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)

Thematic Collect

Holy Lord, in your loving kindness you have poured on us grace upon grace. It was by your wisdom that we were created and by your power that we have been called into discipleship in Christ Jesus. Help us to be fishers of people, fully devoted to you, so that all will know your abiding love. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Common Thread

In and of ourselves, we are a people of unclean lips. How dare we speak the Word of God to others, sinful as we are? Nevertheless, there is an “alien righteousness,” a cleanness that comes to us from another. It is he who asks, “Who will go for us?” Therefore, when he calls, we may answer: “Send me,” knowing that we have been made clean in Christ (John 15:3). He knows his purpose for us and will not forsake his work through us—the work of his hands, not our own. This is how God builds his Church. He calls people to take his word to others. It may seem like we are out of our depth (and so we are) but he is with us. So at his word, we may respond with the confidence that he is truly at work in his Church through those whom he calls.

First Reading • Isaiah 6:1-8, 9-13

Before noting the Trinitarian allusions, observe the magnificence of God. The train of his royal robe is so large that it fills the entire temple. This reminds us that the massive header on the already huge temple doors must be lifted away before the greatness that is God may enter (Psa 24:7-10).

Though we are meant to focus on God’s glory—even his Trinitarian nature—in this pericope, it is difficult not to stare for a moment at the seraph. The angel does not have two wings, as one might expect. Instead, this fiery attendant of God has three sets of wings. The seraphim call out to each other in triplets, “Holy! Holy! Holy!” God calls out for an earthly messenger, asking, “Who will go for us?” The plural oneness of God is manifest, and the tripled allusion to God’s holiness indicate that this plurality is a singular Trinity. 

Psalm • Psalm 138:1-8

God’s name and word are above all things. This requires “strength of soul” (v3). Typically, people are far more interested in their own name and in their own words; they want what they want. More often than not, this is not in line with the will of God. When one’s will runs contrary to the word of God, it is time for increased soul strength.

Second Reading • 1 Corinthians 14:12b-20

Paul gives us a concrete way to build up the Church. Pray. Yet, we must pray properly. We are to pray with enthusiasm but also with mature thoughtfulness. Others must understand what we are praying. 

Gospel • Luke 5:1-11

How are we to go into the deep without the word of Christ? If we do, chaos ensues. But at the command of Christ, we act within God’s will. He is with us and leads us to the accomplishments he has in store. This requires that we leave everything—including our own wills and ways—to follow Jesus. We may do so without fear or anxiety, knowing that our responsibilities are eternal in nature and therefore, in God’s will.