Now it came to pass in those days that Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, Jesus called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles. —Luke 6:12-13
Jesus intentionally chose and invited these twelve Apostles to follow Him and they faithfully walked side by side with Christ during his earthly ministry. He chose simple, ordinary men to enlighten and change the course of the world. Indeed, they did.
These followers of Christ left their familiar routine to follow the King of the Universe! The twelve Holy Apostles left their comfortable life to learn from the Master. Through the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, they spread the good news of salvation and eternal life throughout the world!
The Holy Apostles became vessels of the Holy Spirit. These chosen men were enlightened and were inspired with a boldness to live a life in Christ and to become one with Christ. Their hearts burned with love and this love transformed them to become Christophori — Christ bearers.
They became members of His body. St. Paul reminds us of this reality in 1 Cor. 6:19: "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?"
The Holy Apostles became His hands, doing the work of the Kingdom. They became His voice preaching to the world to "repent, and become baptized" and to seek God's Kingdom. Through God's Grace, they became His chosen representatives here on earth.
We can see this sacred apostolic continuity in our Holy Orthodox Church throughout the course of history. There are countless lessons we learn from our patron saints of the Holy Apostles. We are called to be united with Jesus. This is our mission and purpose. We are to be transfigured, illumined, and energized by God's grace!
The world tells us to seek "happiness." Sports mottos tell us "impossible is nothing" and to "be all you can be." Teachers tell us to study to be "successful." These are all great and powerful goals but as Christians our call is to holiness and righteousness. We must seek and desire to know God's word and to faithfully respond to His call.
He Chooses Us Today!
Just as He called the twelve, Christ continues His work of calling today. You too, have a sacred calling. You are called. You are chosen and you are invited to become part of the body of Christ.
Jesus invites you to be a living member of God's Holy family, participating in the daily life of the church and growing in spiritual maturity. "Set an example for believers in speech, in life in love in faith and in purity." (1 Tim 4:12) He invites us to be a part of the Royal Priesthood: "Use whatever gifts you have received to serve others faithfully administering God's grace." (1 Peter 4:10) And finally, Christ invites us to be messengers of His love: "Make love your aim and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts." (1 Corinthians 12:1)
Your life will change as you create a space for prayer, and a time of quiet so you can listen to our loving Lord. May we continue to grow together, like the Holy Apostles, to know, love and serve Jesus Christ.
You are chosen!
Wishing you a beloved Feast Day!
+Fr. Tom
 Originally published in the Holy Apostles E-bulletin. Subscribe here.
