Can we remain true?

Who, then, can be saved?

17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good?[a] No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.’” 20 He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
23 [b]Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to pass through [the] eye of [a] needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”-Mark10:17-27

There were specific accounts of the call of some of Jesus' disciples. We know how Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John, Matthew or Levi, and Paul. But in today's Gospel, a rich young man actually turned down the call of Jesus rather than giving up everything and following Him. The power of free will! The young man just lost mega big time! We are all predestined for something. We are born with a purpose or mission. We are set apart for something. As we grow, this purpose or mission becomes clear. God remains true to those whom He called for a purpose or mission. Once He called, it is forever and true. He is not the type that would reject and say, 'It was just a joke. Go home now.' But what about us? Are we true when we make a commitment to this purpose or mission? If God is serious in what He's offering to us, can we be serious, too, in accepting it?

Image courtesy: artist

Somebody's calling

The Summoning.

13 He went up the mountain[a] and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve [whom he also named apostles] that they might be with him[b] and he might send them forth to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons: 16 [c][he appointed the twelve:] Simon, whom he named Peter; 17 James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, 19 and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.-Mark3:13-19

Calling indeed is a mystery. In the same way, our choice for a partner for life is also a mystery. Last Sunday, I met with some friends, and I was a bit surprised to see my friend's husband for the first time. I never imagined she would marry a man who looks a bit older and not exactly a "prince charming" material. But then, love is a mystery. So, too, God when He calls. During the time of Jesus, fisher-folks, a tax collector, a pacifist, an extremist, and impetuous persons are not exactly good material for religious life. But our ways are not God's ways, our thoughts are not God's thoughts. Jesus saw more than what meets the eye; He sees the heart; He sees God's predestined plan for each and everyone of us. When God calls, what will our response be?

Image courtesy: artist