DAILY HOMILIES #Simon

Andrew had a special talent for bringing people to Jesus. He was not selfish with the truth. Let us examine our conscience: Since I became a Christian, how many people have I brought to Jesus? Charity begins at home; how many of my family members have become better Christians because of my shining example and conviction? As St. Paul teaches in today’s first reading, preaching (bringing people to Christ) is beautiful. “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!” (Romans 10:15)

Jesus did not do guesswork in his choice of the apostles. He didn’t select them according to their good looks or profession. He spent a whole night in prayer, consulting with God, who has plans, before making his choice.

In today’s Gospel passage, Luke narrates how Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before selecting the twelve apostles. This teaches us the importance of prayer as a consultation with God before making any major decision. Prayer is the master key. Jesus started with prayer and ended with prayer. A Christian who does not spend time in prayer will hardly hear from God. Prayer is consultation; we talk to God and listen to Him.

Jesus did not do guesswork in his choice of the apostles. He didn’t select them according to their good looks or merely according to their line of trade. He spent a whole night in prayer, consulting with God who has plans, before making his choice. Like every good parent, God has plans for us his children.

If in your opinion the Christian life is hard/impossible, it is a sign that you do not love God. Love is not something we can pretend about. Jesus tells us: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)

As myrrh pointed to the Cross so did the sword piercing through Mary’s soul pointed at the Cross. Jesus had not even begun to talk yet but it was certain that He would die, though, for a good cause.