Equal opportunity for greatness

Sisters and brothers in Christ, I remember back in middle school and high school being one of the last ones to be picked to play basketball at gym class. Perhaps it was their prior playing experience with me that led them not to pick me earlier to be on their team. However, I was grateful to the team captains who gave me a chance to play on their team. (I admit, though, I was not a great "b-ball player" in middle school and high school; although, I improved a little in college. Hahaha)

Today's Gospel reminded me of this experience because our Lord Jesus Christ, being fully God and fully Man, knew what he was doing when he picked Judas Iscariot to be one of his apostles. Perhaps Jesus held out hope that Judas, of his own freewill, would not betray him. However, Judas' heart was hardened with pride and greed and eventually led him down a path of destruction.

You see, God calls all of us to come and follow Him - no matter our gender, race, background, socio-economic status, etc. God puts his laws in our minds and writes them upon our hearts. He desires to be our God and we His people. Thus, we all have the same chance (the equal opportunity, if you will) to come and follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to choose to be faithful to Jesus and not betray him with our words and actions.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted

and they came to him.

He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles,

that they might be with him

and he might send them forth to preach

and to have authority to drive out demons:

He appointed the Twelve:

Simon, whom he named Peter;

James, son of Zebedee,

and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges,

that is, sons of thunder;

Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew,

Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus;

Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean,

and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.