Isaiah 6:1-8

“And I said: “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” vs. 5

In his younger years, Isaiah had a profound sense of his own sinfulness, and yet he seems to have enjoyed hanging around the temple. In a sense, it was probably the best show in town and a center of activities for the whole city. And then one day, out of the blue Isaiah has a vision of the Lord God Almighty that brings him to his knees. In response to his confession the vision envelops him and a seraph, a winged heavenly being, touches his lips with a burning coal. In that moment, having been declared clean, he hears the call of the Lord to serve. His answer has inspired millions through the ages, “Here I am; send me!” It’s amazing what an experience of forgiveness can do! It doesn’t always happen in our rituals or liturgies, but sometimes right in the midst of living, we are touched by the hot coal of forgiveness, and we are transformed. Oh what power there is in the word or touch of grace! When it happens at the right time, at that moment of deep self-awareness and shame, it changes people in miraculous ways. We are turned from paralyzing guilt into bold and confident servants of the Lord. It may not happen often, but when it does, it’s a delight to see!

Thought for the Day: When have I been energized by forgiveness?