DAILY PRAYER

“The names of the twelve apostles are these:  first Simon, now known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, Zebedee’s son, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot Party member and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” (Mt. 10:2-4)

The apostles chosen by Jesus to carry the message of the Kingdom were not all of the same temperament or character. They were of very distinct interests and ways of thinking.

They would even argue among themselves: “A discussion arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.”  (Lk. 9:47)

“They returned to Capernaum and Jesus, once inside the house, began to ask them, ‘What were you discussing on the way home?’” (Mk 9:33)

“The other ten, on hearing this, became indignant at the two brothers.”  (Mt. 20:24)

Peter was impulsive in action and speech.  Thomas was slow in accepting anything contrary to his way of thinking.  John gained an intimate friendship with Jesus. Judas deserted the Lord. 

Even though the Gospel does not say so directly, every person needs to have his or her temperament and point of view. Jesus didn’t mandate a certain type of personality for someone to be a collaborator in the Gospel.  To each, He allows an individual identity.

True love of Our Lord enables us to rise above our differences.

Reflection and commentary

Psalm 28:9 “Save your people, bless your inheritance; feed and sustain them forever!”

OUR PRAYER CONTINUES