Isaiah 6:1-2a,3-8; Psalm 137(138); 1 Cor 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11
Isaiah’s calling vision in 742 BC is much quoted in the book of Revelation. He sees God enthroned, with Seraphs who had two wings covering their faces, two covering their body, and with two they flew. They praised God for his total otherness, and their “Holy, Holy, Holy” is repeated before the central part of every Mass. Isaiah expects to die after seeing God’s face. But he is symbolically purified by a burning ember on his lips, and so is fit to deliver God’s message of doom those who mistreat the poor. Only a remnant will survive.
The Psalmist thanks the Lord for answering his prayer, while calling on all rulers to join in this hymn of thanks for the Lord’s words.
Paul reminds the Corinthians of their roots and especially the gospel he taught them. He uses an existing creedal formula that he himself “had been taught”, namely “that Christ died, was buried; was raised; and appeared”. In rising, Christ has conquered death. The dead will also rise, bodily and spiritually.
After Jesus was rejected in Nazareth he went down to Capernaum, where he taught and healed many people. Today Luke describes Simon Peter recognising Jesus as “Lord”, his title after the Resurrection. Peter and his partners accept Jesus’ call, and follow him, leaving absolutely everything.
Psalm Response: Before the angels I will bless you, O Lord.