THE WORD AND THE SAINT
May 14, 2021: Celebrating St Mathias, the Apostle
Acts 1: 15-17, 20-26; John 15: 9-17
You have not chosen me, I chose you!, reminds Jesus today. With the beautiful example of Mathias and Barsabbas, Jesus brings out another element of the election theology! When God chooses, God chooses individuals (not masses), for a unique purpose and specific plan. As God reminds us through Jeremiah, God has a plan for each of us (Jer 29:11) and God alone knows what the plan is and how it would come through. All that we need to do is submit, surrender to that plan and walk by it.
And when God chooses, God chooses not for merely conferring a privilege, or a position or power; but for commitment, suffering and for giving one's life for the other! As the readings of the past Sunday reminded us, we cannot stop with thinking we are chosen therefore we are special! We are chosen, we are special... but it entails further, that we are specially chosen to strive, fight, struggle, suffer and thus, usher in the Reign of God, wherever we are.
Mathias is today counted into the band of apostles. Of course a privilege, but with that came the burden of being a Messenger of the Word, the burden of being the Elder in the Community and the burden of being a Shepherd of God's flock. St. Mathias is an inspiring example which tells us, the Lord counts on us... the Lord has chosen us and wishes to count us into the number of his apostles!
Yes, the Word and the Saint of today speak to us: You are chosen! Are you ready for all that it entails?
2 comments:
It is indeed beautiful to witness how God's purpose for our lives unravels itself with every new experiences and relationships we encounter. Every day is a miracle and we need to wear a special lens of positivity to see through clearly God's miracles that unwraps itself even in the little things. Life is beautiful! It is worth striving, fighting, suffering and struggling... all for the Reign of God!
Miracles abound for those who are prepared to see them around!
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