Epiphany V - C
Isaiah 6:1-13, Psalm 138, I Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11
Today we find ourselves on the fifth Sunday after the Epiphany. Often this time is considered a season of the same name. The word Epiphany comes from the greek επιφανηιν - epiphainein meaning ‘to reveal.’ As the Church continues to tell the story of Jesus and our life in Jesus, the Sunday’s of this “season” attest to God being revealed.
The last four Sunday’s focused on God being revealed in the person of Christ. The adoration of the Magi, the Baptism in the Jordan, the wedding at Cana, and the sermon in Nazareth. Today that is shifted. Today we begin focusing on God being revealed in us and through us. Luke shares how Jesus called his first disciples. The other two readings which the lectionary framers gave to us could seem to be three disparate accounts if it weren't for the fact of one bright thread running through them. All of these readings tell us of a call into ministry. Something happens to transform the lives of the protagonists so that they move from one way of life, one way of thinking, into a new orientation, a new revelation of God.
The first five chapters of the book of the Prophet Isaiah are written in Hebrew poetry. This literary device denotes sacred or prophetic text. Chapter six, however, changes to prose. There is something new in the story here. The writer is saying, ‘pay attention, things are about to change’ The protagonist, not yet a prophet has a vision of the heavenly court. Surrounded by flaming angels, earthquakes, and smoke, and he says, “Woe is me! I am lost . . . “ A more accurate translation here would be “I am struck dumb–I am at a loss for words.” He then goes on to give excuses for why he’s in the wrong place. “I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips.” Moses and Jeremiah do the same thing when they are called to transformation. “I am a man of stuttered speech.” or “I am only a boy.”
This arguing with God is a repeated anecdote within the prophetic call narrative. God then does something to clarify the point, to change or transform the person so that they realize they too can be the voice of God.
The Apostle Paul has a similar story. He is not made speechless like Isaiah, but rather made blind. Knocked off his horse on the way to Damascus from Jerusalem. He knows he is unworthy of this call and says so in his letter to the Corinthians. “For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God.” In his blinding revelation, Saul of Tarsus was changed, “But by the grace of God I am what I am.” Every January, we keep the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul. I would argue it was less of a conversion and more of a transformation. His sight is returned, his heart is changed, and he finds himself on a new path.
In the Gospel, we meet a professional fisherman. And I mean professional.
This is Simon’s livelihood he runs a major business and is even in partnership with the team of Zebedee and Sons. They’ve fished all night and haven't caught a thing. they are stinky, tired and annoyed. He still can't call it quits because he has to mend the nets so they will be ready for another (hopefully more successful) night of fishing. While cleaning and mending, they see this rabbi down the beach. He’s the crazy carpenter's son who was run out of Nazareth last week.
A little later, Jesus ends up in the boat and tells them to go out and drop their nets again. Imagine what Peter must have been thinking. “Hey man, leave the fishing to the professionals, okay” Just like those called before him, he makes excuses. But we’ve just been out all night. That’s not how this works. So God does something to clarify the point, to bring about that transformative moment. Peter gives a huff and drops the nets, only to bring in such a catch that the weight of the fish almost sinks the boats. I like to think there is a missing part of the narrative, where Jesus says, “Good, now that I have your attention.” But instead, he goes on to say, “Don’t be afraid. Follow me and I’ll transform how you fish.” This is what we’re in for if we really look for God if we listen to God if we allow ourselves to be surprised by God.
A friend of mine, The Very Rev’d Gregory Jenks of Grafton, Australia suggested to his congregation the need for a sign on the Cathedral door. A version of this is what you saw on your way in this morning. We are all called to something to some ministry within the kingdom of God. That’s just how God works. When we decide to follow him, to live and love like Jesus, we dare not remain unchanged. So perhaps the church should come with a warning.
CAUTION!
ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK.
All who enter this sacred space may run the risk of experiencing TRANSFORMATION
and may discover that GOD has a purpose for their life.
Expect some inconvenience.
This call . . . this ministry . . . this transformation is not just for the ordained. It is not just for those active in ministry. It is for all of us. Even those who only show up on Christmas and Easter, and especially for those whose feet have never crossed our threshold. I challenge you to leave today with this warning on your lips. Tell the world that God loves them. Tell the world what God has done, and is doing for you. Warn them that God is in the business of shaking up peoples lives. Warn them that God is about the business of transformation. The blind are given sight. The hungry are fed. The oppressors are brought down. The lowly are raised up. The broken are made whole and the weary are made strong. The shepherd becomes a King, the persecutor becomes and defender and the fisherman rocks the boat.
Go and be transformed, because with the revelation of God, you too, can transform the world.
Rev. J. Nelson - Epiphany 5C Sermon - February 10, 2019
St. David of Wales Episcopal Church - Elkhart, Indiana
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