Reflection for Tuesday October 28 Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles: Luke 6:12-16

Gospel: Luke 6:12-16

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:

Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

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Reflection:

Among the many who were called, why did Jesus choose these twelve ordinary men to be His apostles? We may never fully know the reason, considering that before a man becomes a priest or a deacon, he needs to study and prepare for years. Likewise, when a woman desires to become a nun, she undergoes a long formation process before dedicating her life to God.

So why did Jesus call these simple, ordinary men to be His apostles? Perhaps Jesus wants to teach us that holiness and discipleship are not reserved for the learned, the influential, or the highly educated. We need not wear a collar or a habit to follow Him. Each one of us, by virtue of our baptism, is already called to be His follower—to live out our faith wherever we are, even with our limitations and imperfections.

Many of us might think that spreading the faith is the sole responsibility of priests or religious sisters. But no—it is our shared mission. Jesus calls all of us, no matter who we are or what we know, to become bearers of His light. The less capable or confident we feel, the more He desires to show His power through us, for He does not call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

Each of us, then, has a sacred mission entrusted by Jesus Himself. He wants us to be His living witnesses in our homes, workplaces, schools, and online communities—so that through our words, our actions, and even our small acts of kindness, others may encounter His love. Through us, Jesus can reach hearts that might otherwise remain untouched.

Are we allowing Jesus to work through us so that others may see His love, hear His truth, and feel His presence? — Marino J. Dasmarinas