Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
When someone has a direct and personal experience of the presence of God the human being realizes his manifest unworthiness to be in God’s presence. Both the prophet Isaiah in the first reading and St. Peter in the Gospel responded to God’s manifestation in almost the exact same way: “Woe is me; I am a sinful man!” (cf. Is.6:3; Lk. 5:8). When God’s divinity breaks through the veil of our human existence we come to know His power and His glory. God is other. We are not God. He is the Lord, and we must worship Him.
In spite of Isaiah’s and Peter’s unworthiness, the Lord invites them to cooperate with Him. Their response to the divine invitation is also the same: “Send me!” (cf. Is. 6:8; Lk. 5:11). Do not be afraid to follow God’s call. If the Lord makes known His special mission for you, respond to Him generously even though you feel unworthy. Abandon your plans and embrace His. It is the Lord Who is calling you.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 