10/28/2025 (Tuesday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 6:12-16

12 Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.
13 When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:
14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,
15 Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot,
16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

10/28/2025 (Tuesday) Today’s Gospel reflection, sermon, homily: Luke 6:12-16

Before every great mission, there is a moment of preparation. In Gospel reading above, Jesus withdrew to a mountain to pray before choosing His twelve apostles. This quiet yet powerful scene shows us something vital about leadership, purpose, and divine guidance: that great decisions are not born out of impulse or strategy alone, but out of communion with God. It reminds us that true success begins not with noise, but with stillness — not with crowds, but with prayer.

In today’s fast-paced world, people make decisions every day — about careers, relationships, priorities, and values — often without pausing to seek wisdom beyond their own understanding. Many rush forward, guided by ambition or pressure, only to find themselves lost or burnt out. Yet when we look at Jesus’ example, we see a rhythm that brings clarity: withdraw, pray, and then act. He spent an entire night in prayer before choosing His disciples. This wasn’t hesitation; it was discernment. It was a model of how deep connection with God precedes effective action.

Imagine a young woman offered a promotion that promises higher pay but demands more time away from her family. Instead of deciding instantly, she takes a weekend to reflect, pray, and seek counsel. Or think of a pastor faced with selecting new ministry leaders. Rather than choosing based on popularity, he spends nights in prayer, asking for God’s guidance. These modern examples mirror what Jesus demonstrated: that time spent with God is never wasted time. It aligns our hearts with His will and ensures that the people and paths we choose are not just good, but right.

When Jesus finally chose His twelve apostles, He did not pick the most impressive or qualified by worldly standards. Among them were fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, and even one who would betray Him. Yet, through them, the world was changed. This teaches us that God often works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. He doesn’t call the perfect; He perfects those He calls.

In modern terms, we might think of a humble teacher shaping lives one student at a time, a quiet caregiver tending to the elderly with compassion, or a small-town youth leader mentoring teens away from destructive paths. They may not hold grand titles or public recognition, but like the apostles, their influence ripples far beyond what they can see. The power of God often moves through those who simply say, “Yes,” and follow with faith.

This story also challenges our view of success. The apostles weren’t chosen for fame or comfort; they were chosen for mission. Similarly, every follower of Christ today has a calling, even if it doesn’t come with a pulpit or a platform. Some are called to raise families with faith, others to lead with integrity in workplaces, and others to bring light into difficult places. Every calling, no matter how simple, matters in God’s grand plan.

Yet answering that call isn’t always easy. Some of the apostles faced rejection, persecution, and misunderstanding and so do we. But the assurance remains: if our choices are rooted in prayer and guided by God, then even the most challenging paths can lead to transformation. The apostles’ courage reminds us that faith-filled decisions are not about comfort, but commitment.

In our modern culture of instant gratification, where decisions are often made based on what feels right or what gains applause, the example of Jesus offers a timeless corrective. He reminds us to pause, to pray, and to prioritize God’s direction above all else. It is in those quiet conversations with God that we discover clarity, courage, and peace.

So, if you find yourself standing before an important decision including choosing a career path, forming a partnership, starting a ministry, or making a life-changing move, take time to withdraw. Seek the mountain of prayer where your heart can hear God clearly. Let His wisdom shape your choices, and trust that He is preparing the right people to walk beside you.

Just as Jesus’ night of prayer led to the formation of a team that would transform the world, your moments of prayerful discernment can set the foundation for a life that impacts others deeply. God still calls people today, not because they are strong, but because they are willing. And when you say yes to that call, your ordinary life becomes a channel for extraordinary grace.

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