Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.
REFLECTION
that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons:
God places people in our lives every day. You step into the grocery store, post office, church, bank and there will be those who recognize us and we them. We don't know them personally, but our smile, eye contact, gestures help make a connection. Every encounter is a chance to let others know about God as well as a chance to bear fruit. Every encounter is a call from God.
Sometimes I shy away from talking about God because I feel inept or fall into the trap of worrying what others will think of me. Growing up, my best friend's mother, Lilia, was the spiritual standard bearer--if we wanted to go to the movies or a dance, we would find out if Lilia said "yes" or "no" before we asked for permission from our parents. I am now referred to by my classmates as "Mama Lilia". Though it is to me a compliment to walk in her shoes, it has alienated me from family members and friends who have quit talking to me because of moral issues.
In today's Gospel, Jesus called those whom He wanted. PAPA prays for priests who have been called by God to serve Him. These young men discerned their calling and stepped up to serve the Lord, shepherding His children, helping souls go to heaven.
Daily we pray for priests. Join us HERE for the PAPA Prayer for Priests and follow our website for upcoming events for spiritual growth.
Thank you!