I don't know about you, but when I am driving, and I see a police car, I often feel a sense of dread. Even if I'm doing nothing wrong, I still think I might be pulled over.

It's happened to me several times - without realizing it, I turned illegally, or didn't come to a complete stop, and got a ticket. So when I see a police car, I feel a sense of guilt.

In today's first reading, the Prophet Isaiah has a similar disposition towards God. "I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, with the train of his garment filling the temple. Seraphim were stationed above," Isaiah writes. "Then I said, 'Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!'"

I would think that if I saw God I would be happy. Wouldn't it be great to have a personal experience of God's presence? Why wouldn't we be filled with joy and bliss, not fear and anxiety?

But Isaiah sees God, and feels a sense of doom. He feels like I do when I see a policeman while driving. Isaiah seems to assume that God is going to find some fault in him, and will be quick to judge and punish him.

Instead, an angel appears to Isaiah, and applies a burning coal to his lips. "See," the angel says, "now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged."

Then Isaiah hears the voice of God: "Whom shall I send?" God asks. "Who will go for us?"

"Here I am" Isaiah responds, "Send me!"

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus asks Peter, a fisherman, to put out his nets for a catch. "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing," Peter says, "but at your command I will lower the nets." When he catches more fish than his boat can hold, Peter is, like Isaiah, convinced that he will be judged and punished for his doubt. "Depart from me, Lord," Peter says, "for I am a sinful man."

"Do not be afraid," Jesus says to Peter, "from now on you will be catching men."

When Isaiah and Peter experience the power and glory of God, they are filled with fear. They think first of their failures and limitations, and cannot immediately embrace the love and acceptance that God offers. Both are quickly cured of their feelings of inadequacy and guilt.

Why would any of us be afraid of God? It's understandable if you're all too aware of your failures and limitations. While I'd like to think I'd be ecstatic to experience the presence of God, I'd also probably be quick to apologize for all my shortcomings.

The good news is that God is not like a policeman, looking for violations and eager to dole out punishment. Instead, God appears to be looking for partners who will share in the saving work of the Gospel. God's invitation is available to us all - not based on merit or performance. God accepts us. What's in question is whether we will accept Jesus' invitation to join him.

Bill Peatman writes from Napa. He may be reached at bptidings@yahoo.com.