The Descent of the Cross, Roger Van der Weyden, 1438, The Prado in Google Earth. Mary Magdalene is at the far right.
Mary Magdalene – the first witness of the resurrection – was transformed by her encounter with the Risen Lord. May her experience inspire us to bring our lives into the Light of Christ.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul – two of the great heavy-hitters in Heaven – remind us that the Lord continues to call imperfect people every day to offer their lives for the glory of God.
St. Barnabas – a good and holy man set apart to serve the Lord – inspires us to foster the faith that we have received and share it with others in the unique opportunities that we have each day.
As St. Paul’s missionary activity expands, we hear how new people are drawn into greater roles and responsibilities, including Aquila, Priscilla and Apollos. Question: how is God calling each of us today?
On this feast of St. John – the Apostle and Evangelist – we look to John’s example and consider how we are called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in our lives today.
On this feast of St. Andrew, we hear in the Gospel how Jesus calls him and from the Letter to the Romans how God continues to call others to proclaim the Good News in the world. God keeps calling today; are we ready to respond?
As Jesus calls his disciples we remember that the Lord continues to call forth followers in every generation. May we listen to Christ today and continue to foster the faith we have received.
The call of the twelve Apostles reveals the personal connection Jesus has with his disciples. Called by name (with their own unique strengths and weaknesses) the Lord will empower them to serve in his name. The Lord does the same for us!