My dear friends in Christ, We've all had moments in our lives where we felt we had a purpose, where we knew we were meant for something ...
My dear friends in Christ,
We've all had moments in our lives where we felt we had a purpose, where we knew we were meant for something more. Today's readings give us a powerful framework for understanding that feeling in a deeper, spiritual way.
First, we are Called. Just as Jesus spent the entire night in prayer and then, in the light of a new day, called twelve men to be His apostles, so too does He call each of us. This calling isn't just for a select few; it's for everyone who has been baptized into His name. We are called to be His disciples, to follow Him, and to be a living testament to His presence in the world. This call gives us direction and purpose, pulling us out of the crowd and into a personal relationship with Him.
Second, we are Chosen. St. Paul's letter to the Colossians reminds us of this profound truth. He says that in Christ, we "share in this fullness." We are not just followers; we are chosen participants in His divine life. We are made complete in Him. This isn't because of our own merit or power, but because of His grace. Think of St. Peter Claver, whom we honor today. He was a simple priest, yet he was chosen to serve the most marginalized of his time. He saw the face of Christ in the suffering of the enslaved and acted on his calling. His life is a testament to what God can do with a heart that is open to being chosen.
Finally, we are called to be Compassionate. The Gospel tells us that crowds came to Jesus "to hear him and to be healed." Power went forth from Him to heal them all. His ministry was not just about words; it was about action fueled by deep compassion. St. Peter Claver perfectly embodied this. He didn't just preach to the enslaved; he tended to their wounds, comforted their spirits, and defended their dignity. He lived out the compassion of Christ in a tangible, radical way.
Brothers and sisters, we are Called, Chosen, and therefore, we must be Compassionate. Our faith is not a passive belief but an active response to God's love. Let us answer His call today, recognize our purpose in Him, and, like St. Peter Claver, go forth to show the world the healing and merciful face of Christ. Amen.
No comments