Jesus chooses his apostles from a diverse range of ages, trades, personalities and faith experiences. Peter was outspoken and insightful. But he was often off track. John was apparently very young. There are two sets of brothers. Many were common fishermen. Matthew was a scandalously public sinner – hated by many. But he knew how to read, write, and how to keep a ledger for accounting. Some had thunderous personalities, like James and John; while others were quieter. Thomas was very practical and open about his moments of confusion. Some started off as political activists. There were no formal titles or university degrees among them, most were common laborers or tradesfolk. You and I would probably not have chosen with. We would have used different criteria to set up our board of directors.
Yet they were chosen. That is the first important point. Their life as Christians begins with their relationship with Jesus who breaks into their routine to choose them. Jesus inserts himself into their lives. He is the explosive presence of God’s love in their lives. They are chosen not because of some personality trait inventory, intelligence test, or prestigious degrees but because of their relationship with the Savior.
Once they are chosen, they are sent out to proclaim and share what they had experienced. They were not chosen to sit down and enjoy their importance. They were not chosen to enjoy their own personal relationship with Jesus. They were not chosen just to be good, holy, or pious in a personal or private way. They were chosen to be sent, sent out to others. Actually, it is quite surprising that Jesus immediately sends them out on mission once they are chosen. One would think that they should have spent time deepening their relationship with Jesus, studying doctrine, doing a novitiate, or getting a degree.
As a Church, we have forgotten that we are sent. We tend to concentrate our lives on ourselves, as our culture teaches us to do. In the best of cases, we center our Christian lives on ourselves, our pious practices, personal holiness, and living a good life. Yet in the Gospel we are called to go out to proclaim and share our faith with others, to be public witnesses to God action in our lives. Each of us is a missionary sent out to our spouses, children, neighbors, friends, enemies, fellow students or co-workers.
As you go, make this proclamation:
‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
Image: ChatGPT 04JULY26 AI generated, “Make an image rectangular landscape based on Mt 10:1-7”.