Ephesians 2:19-22, Ps. 19:2-5, Luke 6:12-16
“In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:12)
Baptism is such a powerful sacrament; it takes us away from our natural family, our tribal affiliation and re-births us into a new family; the family of God; the family where we can confidently refer to Jesus as our elder brother.
To be a Christian is to be born again; it is to die to something old and take up a new identity. This new identity entails that we see ourselves as St. Paul describes; fellow citizens with the saints in heaven, pillars of God’s house where the Apostles and Prophets are part of the foundation.
As a Christian, you are not just anybody, you are part of a long history of men and women who have walked closely with God. You are not simply a number, you are a person of value. As God used the Apostles to accomplish great things, God wants to use you in a way that you will be remembered in years to come.
Our Gospel passage today tells us how Jesus spent a whole night in prayer before choosing the Twelve Apostles. This action of Jesus teaches us the importance of prayer especially before taking major decisions in life. Don’t just guess, ask God to reveal things to you while you pray, quieten your hearts and you will hear Him speak.
Today, we celebrate two of these twelve apostles chosen by Jesus after a whole night of prayer; Saints Simon and Jude. We remember them not because of the language they spoke or the tribe they belonged to, but their contribution to the spread of Christianity.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, use me as your instrument just like the Apostles. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles – Feast. Bible Study: Ephesians 2:19-22, Ps. 19:2-5, Luke 6:12-16)