Mission and Purpose

Our mission and purpose may lie somewhere.

12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.-Luke6:12-16

As I read and reflected, a part of me wondered what kind of men (and women) the other disciples - who were not chosen - are like. We know the composition of the 12 - fishermen, tax collector, zealot, a traitor and others. But what about the other disciples?

Why are they not chosen? Are there lettered men (and women)? Are there synagogue officials? Is there a Pharisee that secretly followed Jesus? One thing is certain, Jesus spent the night in deep prayer before making an important decision. As I reflected, grace has been given to me to realize that the 12 apostles were predestined long before they were born to be in Jesus' intimate circle of believers. It does not mean that the other followers and disciples were bad that's why they were not chosen. It is most likely that their capabilities, skills, talents and gifts are much utilized if they are not in the inner circle. It's like they glorify and help in Jesus' ministry more if they are not in the inner circle. Notice that for every town, there are always persons who are more religious than the rest. For every religious persons, there will always be those who are set apart to be a priest, religious brother or sister. For every priest, there will always be those who are still set apart to be bishops. For every bishops, there will always be those who are still set apart to be a cardinal.

And for every cardinal, there will always be one who will be a pope later on. Yes, we all have a mission. We all have a purpose. And it lies somewhere in our hearts waiting to be known. The Gospel reading is not just about the 12 who were chosen and not just about praying before making an important decision, but also Jesus' way of reminding us of our mission and purpose alongside with Him.

Image courtesy: Huffington Post, various artists