The call of Matthew in the Gospel reminds us that God calls all of us – regardless of our weaknesses, failures or past history – and invites us to offer our lives. In other words, God does not call the perfect; rather, the Lord chooses us (warts and all) and blesses us with what we need to accomplish our task. Like Matthew, may we accept the invitation and follow Christ!
From the miracle of Elijah to the Lord’s fulfillment of the Law, our faith is a gift that allows us to see God at work in our lives. What’s more, as disciples we continue Christ’s saving work as his instruments in the world.
The reading from the Second Letter to Timothy offers the exhortation to “stir into flame the gift of God” and live with conviction and courage. This gift is our Christian faith; and just as a tiny spark can produce a bonfire, so too, our faith can provide the spiritual spark that ignites our lives for service in the world as we draw near to the Lord and one another.
The Lord exhorts the disciples to have faith in God. Sometimes that is easier to say than do! Yet as our trust in the Lord grows we discover that we are able to see our path in life and have the strength to continue along the way.
The Lord teaches that all of our relationships find their focus and balance when God comes first. Today we have the opportunity to evaluate our lives: is there anything that is keeping us from Christ?
Jesus offers an important insight into how different groups can work together. When we put aside our ego and focus on the Lord’s mission we discover our ability to empower one another in the spirit and mission of Christ.
Jesus reminds Peter in the Gospel of John to focus on his own particular path and not worry about anyone else. It’s a good lesson for us all as we concentrate our effort to carry out the unique tasks that each of us has received from the Lord.
Jesus teaches the disciples that out of love he was sent from the Father into this world, and now he leaves the world to return to the Father. All of us are pilgrims passing through this life; as we live each day may we recall that one day the Father will call us out of this world as well.
We recognize that being disciples of Jesus Christ does not take away experiences of suffering and loss; rather, we understand that God will give us what we need to make our way through even the darkest moments of life – turning our grief into joy.
Jesus helps the disciples understand that to see him is to see the Father, and to believe in him leads to doing great works in his name. But note this: these words are meant for us as well! As we see God at work in our lives, may our belief flourish as we do the work that is before us for the glory and honor of Christ.