​Chosen and Sent

Grace to you!
 
I read God’s Word this morning as we celebrate the Eucharist. I’m captivated by the line that says, “Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted [desired] 
and they came to him” (Mk 3:13).
 
This is the call of the twelve apostles. The Lord called them. Each one’s name was mentioned, showing us how personal is each call. God knows you by name. He relates with you as a person.  
 
Scripture says, “They are those whom he wanted,” or “desired” (Revised Standard Version). Twelve is a symbolic number to represent the foundation of the Church built on twelve pillars of the apostles, connecting the Promise in the Old Testament, with the Fulfillment in the New Testament.  
 
In this call of the twelve, the Lord takes the initiative. He calls those he desires. His choice sometimes surprises many people. It did then as it does now. Many times, those chosen as bishops catch people by surprise. Some even say, “how could that guy be named a bishop.” God works in strange ways.
 
Among the apostles were a bunch of “unqualified” by human standards. This is where our standards miss the point. God doesn’t judge by appearance. God doesn’t choose the perfect.
 
Certainly, no one is qualified for the great work of God. Indeed, no one merits the grace of being called God’s special one, God’s child. Neither me nor you. 
 
It is like God gives the called benefit of the doubt. He calls anyways despite the person. He sends as he sent the apostles. Apostle means “those sent out or forth.” No one sends oneself to a mission. When one is sent, the person is sent by a sender.
 
The Sender, the Lord, desires whom to send. He knows who fits for each mission and he gifts each for that mission. Once the Lord sends, he gives adequate authority to carry out the mission.
 
For the apostles, they were to be the pillars of the Church and lead the Body of Christ. Their successors, the bishops, carry out the same role for the Body of Christ. Other ordained ministers—priests and deacons—serve in different degrees in the same mission. Every baptized believer has a unique role in the Body of Christ too, and in the world.
 
When you received the gift of faith, it is because God so loved you and desired you for a unique mission. He sends you in your state in life with the necessary gifts, power and authority to carry out that mission.
 
Do not wait and stand by. In the case of the twelve apostles, when the Lord summoned them, Scripture says, “they came to him.” Say yes to God’s invitation every step of the way. By saying yes, you are equipped with all you need, the power and authority to carry it out.  
 
In Christ, you’ve been chosen. In Christ, you’ve been anointed to do good and spread the good news wherever you are. In Christ, you’ve the authority to outsmart and destroy evil. In Christ, you’re a victor.
 
Praying you keep an eye on the call and embrace every grace of your vocation. Amen.
 
Fr. Maurice Emelu
 
[Friday Week 2 Ordinary Time B: 1 Sam 24:3-21; Mk 3:13-19]

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