Readings: Hebrews 8:6-13, Ps. 85:8,10-14, Mark 3:13-19
“And he appointed twelve, to be with him, and to be sent out to preach.” (Mark 3:14)
- The book of Hebrews reads: “Behold the days are coming says the Lord when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel… I will put my laws into their heart and write them upon their minds. I will be their God, and they shall be my people. They shall no longer teach one another. I will forgive their evil doing and remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:8-12)
- This promise of God was fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. You and I are the New Israel. God has put His laws into our hearts. Unfortunately, even though we know what is right, we prefer what is wrong. Today, God is inviting us to return to him with the assurance that he would forgive our sins and remember our past no more.
- “But if a wicked man turns away from all his sins which he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness he has done, he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?” (Ezekiel 18:21-23)
- In today’s Gospel passage, we see Jesus appointing twelve men as his close associates and personal students. They were to be with him and assist in spreading the message. Although Jesus is all-powerful, He needs people. Jesus has the power to evangelize alone, but He prefers to work through people.
- One lesson from Jesus’ action in today’s Gospel passage is the importance of having a team. Never assume that you can succeed all by yourself. I used to tell myself, “If you want a task done properly, do it yourself.” This often led me to take on too many tasks, leading to stress and burnout.
- Recently, I have adopted a new mantra: “If you want the task done properly, train people to do it.” Jesus took three years to train the twelve apostles. He only assigned tasks after he had trained them. Mark says: “And he appointed twelve, to be with him, and to be sent out to preach.” Their first duty was to be with Jesus.
- You cannot give what you do not have. Like these disciples, you can only preach the Gospel after you have spent time with Jesus. Show me any good preacher, and I will show you someone who spends time with God’s Word daily. Jesus is still looking for people to continue His mission of saving the world. Pray and study the Bible more if you feel called to be a disciple. Jesus will open your eyes to see many things you never imagined before.
- Today, we celebrate St. Francis de Sales. He was born on August 21, 1567, in the Kingdom of Savoy near Geneva, Switzerland. Coming from a noble family, he was expected to follow a legal career to satisfy his father, but his true passion was to serve God. Even after earning a doctorate in law, his strong faith drove him to study theology secretly. Francis had a significant spiritual moment when he fell off his horse three times; each time, his sword and scabbard arranged themselves into a cross on the ground. This experience solidified his calling, and he persuaded his father to allow him to become a priest in 1593.
- In 1602, he was appointed Bishop of Geneva, where he was admired for his kindness and accessibility. He collaborated with Jane de Chantal to establish The Order of Visitation in 1610. He strongly believed in the ‘universal call to holiness,’ teaching that every Christian, regardless of their life path, is called to live a holy life. His influential book, “Introduction to the Devout Life” (1608), was written for laypeople and pioneered the belief that one could seek holiness in everyday activities.
- He passed away on December 28, 1622, leaving a legacy of humility and deep devotion. He was beatified in 1661 and canonized in 1665. St. Francis de Sales is the patron saint of Catholic writers, the deaf, journalists, and various religious communities. His feast day is celebrated on January 24.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, you have written your law in our hearts; give us the courage to incarnate you in our world by always doing what is right. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop, Doctor Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Hebrews 8:6-13, Ps. 85:8,10-14, Mark 3:13-19).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu