Fr. Dawid Kwiatkowski, St. Anne Catholic Church

Throughout history, we have been conditioned to associate greatness with perfection. We celebrate those who are the smartest, the strongest, or the most accomplished. But what if true greatness is not about perfection? What if it is about being willing to step forward, despite our flaws, and allowing ourselves to be transformed?

One of the most compelling themes in Scripture is that God does not call those who are already perfect—He perfects those He calls. Time and again, we see that He chooses the weak, the unqualified, and the broken, equipping them with the strength and wisdom they need for His mission.

Consider some of the most well-known figures in biblical history:

• Isaiah, a prophet who saw a vision of God’s glory, was initially overcome with a sense of unworthiness. “Woe is me,” he cried, recognizing his flaws. Yet God purified him and entrusted him with His message.

• Paul, who once persecuted Christians, believed himself unworthy of apostleship. However, through divine grace, he became one of the most influential missionaries of all time.

• Peter, upon witnessing Jesus’ power, fell to his knees in shame, declaring, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” But instead of rejecting him, Jesus invited him to a greater purpose—transforming him from a fisherman into a “fisher of men.”

These individuals were not perfect when they were called. They doubted, resisted, and felt unworthy. Yet their willingness to answer God’s call changed not only their lives but the course of history.

Many people believe that in order to be called by God, one must have a profound spiritual experience—a moment of revelation or an unmistakable sign. However, Scripture shows us that God often meets people in the most ordinary moments of their lives.

Take Peter, for example. He was not actively searching for Jesus when he was called. He was simply at work, exhausted after a night of fishing with no success. It was in that frustration, in that moment of weariness, that Jesus stepped into his life and changed it forever.

This is a reminder that God’s call does not come only to those who are actively seeking it. Sometimes, it is a quiet whisper in the middle of routine life. It might be the desire to pray more, even if you don’t know how. It might be the urge to help someone in need, even if you feel unqualified. It might be as simple as continuing to show up for Mass, even when you don’t feel particularly connected.

God does not wait for us to be ready. He meets us where we are.

This idea is not just found in Scripture—it plays out in the lives of people today. Many individuals who have felt lost, broken, or unworthy have found that their lowest moments became turning points for transformation.

One of the most powerful aspects of faith is that God does not abandon people in their struggles. Instead, He uses those struggles as opportunities for renewal. History is filled with examples of people who, like Isaiah, Paul, and Peter, found their calling not in their moments of strength but in their moments of weakness.

The world often measures greatness by success, intelligence, or influence. But God sees something deeper. He sees the potential for surrender, for trust, for transformation. True greatness is not about having all the answers—it is about being willing to say, Here I am, Lord. Send me.

Perhaps you have felt unworthy. Perhaps you believe that your past mistakes, your weaknesses, or your doubts disqualify you from doing something meaningful. But what if those very things are what make you ready?

The stories of Isaiah, Paul, and Peter show us that weakness is not a barrier to being called—it is often the starting point. God does not need you to be perfect. He does not need you to feel completely prepared. He simply needs you to be willing.

Right now, in this very moment, He is calling you—not because of your perfection, but because He sees what you can become. He meets you in your work, in your struggles, in your ordinary routine. And He is asking you to trust, to take a step, to allow Him to transform you.

The question is: Will you answer?