Daily Catholic Lectio. Sun, 9 February ’25. From Deficiency to Fullness

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sun, 9 February ‘25

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 6:1-8. Psalm 138. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. Luke 5:1-11

From Deficiency to Fullness!

There is an old Mayan story from Central America, which was also depicted in Mel Gibson’s film Apocalypto (2006). The story goes like this:

One day, a man sat in the forest, deeply sorrowful. The animals of the forest gathered around him, saying, “We cannot bear to see you in this state. Ask us for anything, and we will give it to you.” The man replied, “I want sharp eyesight.” The eagle said, “I will give you my vision.” He then said, “I want unmatched strength.” The jaguar responded, “I will grant you my power.” He asked for the secrets of the underworld, and the snake replied, “I will reveal them to you.” One by one, the animals bestowed their gifts upon the man. Now equipped with everything, he rose and began his journey.

Seeing this, the deer said, “Now that man has everything he needs, he will never be sorrowful again.” But the owl, who had been observing quietly, said, “No. I saw an emptiness in his heart—a void that cannot be filled. He will never be satisfied. He will crave more and more, seeking endlessly to fill that void. One day, the earth itself will say to him: ‘I have nothing left to give you.’”

This ancient story reveals a universal truth: Human beings often carry an inner void—an unfulfilled longing. The question is, do people recognize this deficiency within themselves? And if they do, how is it filled? Since all humans are incomplete, who can provide the fullness that we seek?

Today’s Scripture readings answer these very questions.

Recognizing Our Deficiency and Seeking Fullness. When we say, “Everyone has deficiencies”, we are referring to various dimensions of life—social, economic, political, spiritual, moral, and physical. However, the most profound limitations are often within the human heart. These internal struggles hold us back and sometimes even pull us backward. The only way we can overcome them is by cooperating with God.

Each of today’s readings presents a person who encounters God in their deficiency and is transformed into fullness.

1. Isaiah: From unworthiness to divine calling (Isaiah 6:1-8)

In the first reading, we see the call of the prophet Isaiah. His experience is different from the call of Moses, Gideon, or Jeremiah. Instead, it closely resembles the prophetic vision of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1-3). The vision occurs in the heavenly throne room—God is seated on a majestic throne, and seraphim surround Him. The term “seraphim” in Hebrew means “burning ones”, symbolizing their fiery presence before God. They proclaim: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts!” Hearing this, Isaiah is overcome with fear and humility, exclaiming: “Woe to me! I am lost!”

Standing before divine purity, he becomes painfully aware of his own impurity. However, a seraph takes a burning coal and touches his lips, saying: “Your sin is removed, your guilt is taken away.” Now purified, Isaiah hears God’s call: “Whom shall I send?” Without hesitation, he responds: “Here I am! Send me!” Isaiah initially felt inadequate, but God purified and transformed him, making him ready for his mission.

2. Paul: From guilt to grace (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)

In the second reading, Paul addresses an issue troubling the Church in Corinth—the resurrection of the dead. Greek philosophy viewed the body as a prison for the soul and rejected the idea of a bodily resurrection. However, Paul firmly states that eternal life includes the resurrection of the body, just as Christ Himself rose from the dead.

He reminds them of the earliest Christian creed: “Christ died for our sins… He was buried… He was raised on the third day.” Paul then lists those who witnessed the risen Christ—Peter, James, the apostles, and finally, himself. However, as he recalls his own encounter with Christ, he is struck with the memory of his past—how he once persecuted the Church. This guilt weighs on him, but he immediately recognizes: “By the grace of God, I am what I am!” His deficiency of guilt is overcome by God’s grace, which inspires him to labour tirelessly for the Gospel.

3. Peter: From Doubt to Discipleship (Luke 5:1-11)

In today’s Gospel, we witness the calling of Peter. The scene unfolds at the Sea of Galilee, where Peter and his companions have fished all night without success. Jesus instructs him: “Put out into the deep and let down your nets.”

Peter hesitates: “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing.” However, he chooses to obey: “But at Your word, I will let down the nets.” The result? An overwhelming catch of fish! Peter immediately falls at Jesus’ feet, confessing his unworthiness: “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” But Jesus responds: “Do not be afraid. From now on, you will catch people.” Peter’s doubt and hesitation are replaced with faith and a new mission.

The Three Transformations: From Deficiency to Fulness

Isaiah saw himself as unworthy, but God purified him and made him a prophet. Paul carried the guilt of persecuting the Church, but God forgave and empowered him as an apostle. Peter doubted, but Jesus reassured him and called him to a greater purpose. In each case, their deficiency was transformed by God’s touch.

How can we experience this fullness?

(a) Celebrate Your Gifts

Isaiah had the privilege of seeing God’s vision. Paul, despite his past, was embraced by grace. Peter, though failing at fishing, was chosen for a greater mission. Instead of focusing on our deficiencies, we should acknowledge and celebrate the gifts we have received from God.

(b) Let Go of the Past, Embrace the New

Isaiah did not dwell on his unworthiness—he stepped forward into his mission. Paul did not remain paralyzed by guilt—he worked harder than ever for the Gospel. Peter did not reject Jesus out of shame—he accepted his new calling. We must release the burdens of the past and embrace the new mission God gives us.

(c) Allow God to Work Through Our Weakness

God does not demand perfection before calling us. If we invite Him into our weaknesses, He transforms them into strengths. We must surrender our doubts, guilt, and fears to Him.

When our deficiencies encounter God’s touch, we are transformed into something whole and complete.

As Psalm 138 declares: “I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with all my heart!”

May we recognize our weaknesses, allow God to fill us, and respond with a heart full of gratitude and trust!

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy