First Reading: 1Cor 6:1-11; Psalm: 149. R. v. 4a; Gospel: Lk 6:12-19

CALLED AND CHOSEN

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Jesus wrote no book on his teachings. He knew his end would come and needed some men that he might write his message upon them. Jesus already had many followers (disciples), but he needed something more than a follower for his message to live on. And so he went to the mountains and prayed all through the night. When it was day, he called his disciples and from among them chose twelve men whom he called apostles. Jesus came down from the mountain with them (the apostles) and they took their stand on a level place facing the crowd; a sign that they have been separated for a different mission.

A disciple is different from an apostle. The word “disciple” means “a learner.” Every Christian is a disciple of Christ who learns about the kingdom through the teachings of the Scriptures. But an apostle is one called and chosen by God to share in Jesus’ ministry and is sent forth by him with authority to proclaim the gospel. So Jesus chose the twelve apostles to be eye-witnesses to his ministry so they can give a first-hand account of his teachings when he is no more. It was before his ascension that he gave them the authority to make disciples of all nations and to teach all that he had commanded them (Mt 28:16-20). 

Through apostolic succession, the message of the gospel has been kept alive till today. God still calls and chooses men whom he sets apart with authority primarily to preach the gospel. They are the pastors of the Church today. Let us pray specially for them who are flawed but graced human beings that God may rekindle their zeal for the task entrusted to them so that the message of the gospel may reach out to the Christian faithful who depend solely on God for healing and restoration.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord God, bless all Christians called to various vocations in life especially your priests that they may all may be committed to their calling of serving you and the world. Amen.