Tarsish Marak csc –
Readings: Eph 2:19-22; Lk 6:12-19
Today, on the feast of Saints Simon and Jude, the readings highlight the theme of discipleship. In the gospel, Jesus selects and commissions the twelve apostles from among his followers, setting the stage for the spread of the gospel and the establishment of the Church. St. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, reminds us that we are part of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and Christ, the cornerstone. We are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the holy ones.
A striking aspect of Jesus’ preparation for this significant task is his simplicity; he goes up to the mountain and spends the night in prayer. This serves as a profound reminder of the importance of inviting God into our decision-making processes. When faced with choices, we often feel anxious or fearful, forgetting to seek divine guidance. Through prayer, we can find clarity, relieve our fears, and achieve peace in our decisions. Jesus sets a great example for us in daily life: we should engage in personal dialogue with our divine Lord before beginning each day.
The disciples preached and practiced his teachings, resulting in a Church filled with saints who followed Christ without hesitation. We are called to be radical followers of Christ, striving to emulate the example he has set before us. Only then can the essence of discipleship manifest in our daily lives. Let us pray for the grace to follow this path.