2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Jesus . . . summoned those whom he wanted. (Mark 3:13)
There was a couple who decided to adopt children, but when they were given the opportunity to be matched with a child, they were overwhelmed. The agency presented them with an album filled with babies’ pictures and asked them to choose one from all of these children. When the woman’s eyes fell on one particular child, in her heart she knew that this was the child God had chosen for their family.
Years later, upon hearing this story from her adoptive parents, the daughter was awed. Her birthmother had protected her in the womb; her adoptive family had chosen her from among so many others; and here she is today, alive, healthy, and loved!
In today’s Gospel reading, we hear another story about being chosen—Jesus’ choice of the twelve apostles. Of all of Jesus’ followers, these were the men he chose and sent out to preach and drive out demons (Mark 3:14). Who would have thought that such simple, common fishermen would join a tax collector—Matthew—and a political activist—Simon the Zealot—and band together to have such an impact on the world?
God has a call and a plan for each of us, even for each child in the womb, waiting to be born. Today, believers in the United States observe the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. It’s a day when we can affirm that God wants each of these vulnerable children, just as that young girl’s mother wanted her. It’s a day when we can band together—no matter where we are—and pray for an end to abortion around the world.
God has given each of us the precious gift of life. He has called each of us by name and set us apart for his purposes. Today, let’s thank him for all he has done for us. At the same time, let’s dedicate ourselves to protecting all the vulnerable children yet to be born. Especially during this Year of Mercy, may they be welcomed into life, and may they all live to fulfill God’s call for them!
“Father, thank you for calling me your child! Protect each unborn child today. May they all be brought forth to live a full and blessed life!”
1 Samuel 24:3-21
Psalm 57:2-4, 6, 11
Daily Marriage Tip for January 22, 2016:
The family is the "sanctuary of life," said St. John Paul II. As we mourn today for all lives lost to abortion, pray for mothers and fathers to accept courageously the children in their womb and give them the gift of life.