Here I am Lord, Send me!

Recalling elements of his vocation call, Fr Antony examines discipleship- why it is not attractive at first and what happens when we persevere in our vocation.In Isaiah’s call to mission- his reaction is one of fear and unworthiness, but God doesn’t reject him but instead purifies him. Transformed, Isaiah no longer hesitates and responds with faith, courage and determination. This is the essence of discipleship- it is not about being qualified, perfect, or giving up things, it is about recognising God’s call and responding with complete trust, despite our weakness and our situation.Similarly in the gospel, despite his doubts, Peter obeys Jesus and cast his nets into the deep-hauling in 2 boatful of fish- symbolic of God’s abundance when we follow his call. Peter, together with James and John respond in the same way as Isaiah-they leave their lives and follow Jesus.Discipleship is rarely attractive at first, it takes sacrifice, uncertainty, the willingness to step beyond what is familiar. May we all be like Isaiah and St Peter and respond- ‘Here I am Lord, send me.’- Sunday Homily with Fr. Antony Prabhu, C.Ss.R. (9 February 2025)