19 January 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections
#OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesforChrist
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TOPIC: ARE YOU MISSION-READY?
First Reading: First Samuel 24: 3-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 57: 2, 3-4, 6 and 11
Alleluia: Second Corinthians 5: 19
Gospel: Mark 3: 13-19
In today’s Gospel reading, while the selection of the Mythical 12, the All-NBA Team and the NBA All Stars are based on statistical performance, fan voting, coaches, broadcasters and sportswriters choices, Jesus’ criteria in selecting His Apostles was not about achievement and performance, nor popularity. Rather He chose people who could be changed by His love. And He sent them out to communicate that His acceptance was available to anyone, even to those whose lives were marked by failure.
The 12 apostles were from all walks of life ⏤ fishermen, tradesmen, activist, one was a tax collector, common people and uncommon leaders. Jesus’ initiative to summon those whom He wanted were to be with Him, as disciples and friends and to be sent out to proclaim the good news of salvation, with authority to cast out demons. There is no call without a corresponding mission.
Like the apostles, each of us is called by name or called into a profoundly personal and intimate relationship with Jesus. It is when we allow Him to look on us in this way that we get a sense of our deeper significance and personal worth.
This is the 1365th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.
[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Jess Ferrer, Head of the CFC Migrants Program, as he brings us today's reflection.
All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives.
