"Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man."
Luke 5:8
While I might not have ever admitted it quite so directly, Peter’s statement in today’s gospel reminds me of my time in seminary – looking in the mirror, knowing my history of sin and my smallness of heart, wondering what God was thinking picking someone like me to follow Him. And I tried to give Him a chance to change His mind! In my actions and prayers, I was constantly reminding the Lord how crazy His plan was – reminders like we hear spoken in the readings today.
Isaiah sees God’s glory and cries out, “Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips!” Paul declares, “I am not fit to be called an apostle.” And Peter falls at Christ’s feet in an admission of sin. Each time, God’s response is the same. In the most loving way possible, He looks at our brokenness and sin and says, “So what?” Because at the end of the day, it’s not about us…it’s about Him. So when He turns your way and calls your name – and He will – do not be afraid. His grace has never been ineffective – and never will be!
What does the Lord say to you, as He looks at you and calls your name?
Jesus, give us the courage to say with confidence: "Here I am, Lord - send me!"
Today’s Reflection is by:
Fr. Lou Turcotte
Did you know...
Fr. Lou Turcotte grew up in Clearwater, attending Light of Christ Catholic Church with his parents and two sisters. He is an alumnus of St. Cecelia Interparochial School, Clearwater High, and the University of Florida, where he graduated with a degree in Marketing. Inspired by many priestly role models, he felt the LORD pulling him to discern the priesthood, and after an exciting, challenging, and transformative 7 years of seminary education, he was ordained a priest in 2018. After serving at St. Timothy in Lutz for two years, he now enjoys the beautiful waters of St. Raphael in St. Petersburg. His passions include national parks, aquariums, Chick-fil-A, Liverpool Football Club, and encountering Jesus alongside the faithful here in the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
