A Friend Who Chooses Me
by Fr. David M. Knight
Friday, January 19, 2024
Week II in Ordinary Time
Lectionary No. 315
1Samuel 24:3-21; Psalm 57; Mark 3:13-19
"Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted." Mark 3:13
Have you ever been left out when people were choosing? Choosing sides in a game? Choosing guests for a party? Choosing someone to work for them?
How does it feel when you are chosen? How does it make you feel about the person who chose you?
Do you feel that way about Jesus? Do you know—and are you sure—that he has chosen you? When did he do it, and where?
He chose you from your mother’s womb. But he did it publicly, explicitly, and solemnly on the day of your Baptism. If you ever doubt you were chosen by God, get out your baptismal certificate and read it. Then look up what it means in Romans, chapter 6, 1Corinthians chapter 12, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1265-1268. In Baptism we were all chosen, consecrated, and anointed by God to continue the mission of Jesus as a Prophet, Priest, and King.
Jesus chose us for a purpose. Luke says (7:30) that the Pharisees, by refusing to be baptized by John, “rejected God’s purpose for themselves.” Jesus himself said, “You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit” (John 15:16).
Friendship is interaction. Interact with Jesus and you will never be left out.
ACTION: Every day ask, “What is Jesus choosing me for today?”
PRAYER: “Lord, do this with me, do this in me, do this through me.”
Reflections brought to you by the Immersed in Christ Ministry
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