The call story of the prophet Isaiah is filled with fanciful details that defy explanation. The hem of the Lord “high and lifted up” fills the temple which must mean the rest of the Lord is seated on the patio? Why do the seraphim need two wings to hide their faces and two wings for their feet when they only need two to fly? And burning coals do serious damage to lips so that one might forgo forgiveness for lack of lip balm. All of that is to say the vision is like a dream and full of bizarre imagery to elevate the high and lifted up Lord beyond this mortal coil and usher us into the mystery of God who is beyond knowing. “Woe is me!” is the proper thing to say in the sight of such power. Which means the enthusiasm of “Here am I. Send me” should have waited for a moment to hear what follows. "I’m sending you to people ever hearing but never understanding; ever seeing but never perceiving. Make their hearts dull, their ears heavy, their eyes shut until their cities are laid waste." To which the more appropriate response might be “Woe is me” if not for the faithfulness of the Lord who upholds those who are sent and preserves those who willing. Here am I. Send. Me. Even so. Oy Vey.
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