Jeremiah 17:5-8 1 Corinthians 15:12,16-20 Luke 6:17,20-26

In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah proclaims that the lord will bless those who trust in him, but those who turn from the Lord will be cursed. In the second reading, Paul teaches that Christ’s Resurrection assures us that we also will be raised. In the Gospel, Jesus promises a heavenly re-

ward for those who live out the Beatitudes.

The promise of a better life after death is never an excuse to fail to work for the building up of God’s Kingdom here on earth. Christ’s followers have an obligation to be about the work of the Kingdom. We do this through our love and humble service to God and our neighbor.

Isaiah 6:1-8 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 5:1-11

In the first reading, Isaiah has a vision in which his mouth is purified by an angel touching his lips with a burning ember. In the second reading, Paul calls himself the least of the Apostles, but is ef-

fective due to God’s grace. The Gospel tells of Jesus calling Peter and others to be his disciples, telling them they will be catching men instead of fish.

Many of God’s prophets and the most trusted disciples of Jesus considered themselves unworthy to be chosen to do God’s work. So, too, our failures loom in front of us as we wonder why God has called us. However, it is not our worthiness that matters, but God’s grace and mercy and our willingness to say yes to him.