CALLED TO BE FAITHFUL

July 9, 2025 Wednesday within the 14th week in Ordinary Time: Year C Mathew 10:1-7 There is something deeply personal in the way Jesus calls each of the twelve by name. He doesn’t summon a crowd or choose the most influential. He chooses fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary men — broken, flawed, and uncertain. When I reflect on my own vocation, I can’t help but wonder why He chose me too. Like the apostles, I had my fears, my doubts, my hidden wounds. And yet, Jesus did not call me because I was ready. He called me so that I would become ready — in His time, by His grace. Jesus not only calls them; He sends them. He entrusts them with the sacred mission to heal, to cast out demons, to proclaim the nearness of God’s Kingdom. What a terrifying and beautiful task — to become vessels of healing in a hurting world. I think of the times I’ve been sent to hospital beds, confessionals, or lonely parishioners. Often, I didn’t feel powerful. I felt small, exhausted, unsure of what to say. But somehow, through that weakness, grace moved. Healing happened. Not because of me, but because He was with me. This Gospel reminds me that I am not called to be impressive, but faithful. I am not called to succeed by the world’s standards, but to serve with Christ’s heart. Being sent by Jesus is not about status — it’s about surrender. The Kingdom of God is still near, still breaking into this world through the hands and hearts of those willing to go. And so, like the apostles, I rise again today with my name on His lips and His mission in my heart — uncertain, unworthy, but undeniably chosen. Blessings Fr. Jhack