“I chose you.” John 15:16
Reading the Lord’s words this morning just brings me to my knees. “I chose you!”
I have been used to being the person on the side. Friends to many but rarely asked to play the game or participate in the event. The last one sitting on the bench. You know the person.
But, today, I hear Jesus speak these words to me. Not after everyone else was selected but telling me, “I came to choose you.”
I guess this is why the call of Matthew and Simon is so special to me. Simon, a struggling, failed fisherman and Matthew, an outcast sinner – but, Jesus called them. Not only did He call them, but, He went out of His way to find them, and be where they were.
I reflect back to that moment two decades ago. Kneeling in my living room, asking the Lord to come to my life, surrendering my life to Him. For years, I thought in that moment that I finally chose God. But, I realized even then, even with me “running” to Him, it was only because He chose me.
Yes, I was on my knees, making this act of surrender. But, it was because Jesus had called me, chosen me from my conception (and before) to be His son. He chose me and called me, my whole life. It was in that moment that I finally answered.
Make no mistake, if you are reading this, going to Mass, praying to God or even just wondering if God is really real, you are being called. You have been chosen.
This is a time of rejoicing for those ‘last on the bench.’ Because the last will be first. What is important now, is to do like Simon, Matthew, Augustine, Faustina and others including me, answer the call. Drop everything and follow Him.