Scripture:
Hebrews 8:6-13
Mark 3:13-19
Reflection:
In today’s Gospel reading from Mark, we see the names of the Twelve Apostles. But before the list of names, Mark tells us that "Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him."
The summons Jesus sent out was not only meant for the Twelve Apostles, nor only for those recognized as saints by the Church, but for you and me. This is not always understood. There may be times when we have difficulty imagining that we are among those whom Jesus wants. Perhaps someone in our parish has suggested that we become some kind of liturgical minister, or participate in some parish outreach, and our immediate reaction has been, "I’m not worthy."
It has been my experience that it doesn’t matter so much if I deem myself worthy or not. What matters most is that I am called. I could point out some very talented young men who were in the seminary at the same time I was. By all accounts they would have made better priests or religious than myself. But they did not stay. One could only surmise that they were not called to that particular vocation.
When one reads the Gospels, one can see that the Twelve did not always understand what Jesus was trying to tell them, nor did they always act in the best way. But Jesus called them, and they grew into the leaders Jesus wanted them to be. What remains for us is to live out our vocation whatever it may be for us. All vocations, married, single, religious, or ordained life, are sacred, as they come from God.
Be assured: Jesus wants us for something. We need only to respond to His call.