St. Paul speaks to us today of the structure of which we are all invited to be a part: “You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, build upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.” (Eph. 2: 19-20) It is clear from the reading that Jesus Christ laid the foundation of His Church in “living stones” and that he is the force holding her together.
The Selection Process
In the Gospel, we hear that Jesus spent the night in prayer and dialogue with His Father. The next morning, he called his disciples and “from them” chose the men who would be his companions and closest associates during his public ministry. There were more than twelve people to pick from and it seems clear that Jesus made his selection after intense conversation with His Father. One can imagine them discussing each candidate, weighing the pros and cons. There was something deeper than qualifications or character in the acceptance of these men, something related to a profound call. What is remarkable is that Jesus chose these particular individuals, knowing what they would do, how they would come through (or not), even to Judas, “who became a traitor.” In some way, His choices must have reflected the will of the Father.
Our Dialogue with the Father
Jesus never stopped talking to His Father. The crucifix in the chapel at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary reminds us of this. It depicts Christ in His agony, still alive, and speaking with His Father. These readings also call to remind us that our connection to the “household of God” is through our own dialogue with the Father, mediated by Jesus Christ. We can and should be talking everything over with Jesus. Perhaps we are faced with someone who has made poor decisions and who now wants our help. Perhaps we must finally take a stand on an issue touching on our faith. We may have to plow through a difficult situation when we would rather not. We may be called upon to wish for the best for someone who is diametrically opposed to what we believe. In all this, “the love of Christ compels us” (2 Cor. 5:14) to reach out for and hold onto that foundation, which is the will of the Father, made known to us through His Son. Our conversation with Christ, nurtured through the Eucharist and the Sacraments, will be the way we maintain our part in the foundation of His Church.
Thank you immensely, Sister Veronica, for this beautiful reflection, especially the area that addresses the “selection process”.
God bless you.