HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE (2)
HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE
THEME: TEAM SELECTION
By: Fr. Gerald M. Musa
HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OCTOBER 28 2021
Networking remains one of the tools to attain success in any of our plans. You never know, the person you just met could have the answer to a puzzle you have been struggling with
HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE
THEME: TEAM SELECTION
By: Fr. Gerald M. Musa
HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OCTOBER 28 2021
A major function of a coach is the selection of people who would represent the club or team in a competition or any given task. A sports coach has standard criteria for the selection of players. He considers physical strength, agility, the disposition to learn and apply instructions (coachability). Likewise, employers have criteria for the kind of people they employ, and among other things, they would consider the cognitive ability of the person (level of intelligence and emotional quotient) and problem-solving skills. Jesus selected 12 men to be his Apostles. Among these were Simon and Jude who we celebrate today. What did Jesus consider in the choice of these men? I wonder if anyone can give a perfect answer to this question. If a selection committee was given the task of selecting Apostles, they would have disqualified some of the men selected by Jesus. Interestingly, He chose men from various backgrounds, with different characters and temperaments. For example, he selected Matthew the Tax collector, the impulsive Peter, Simon the zealot, Juda: the traitor, James and John, sons of thunder as well as doubtful Thomas. God is always full of surprises in selecting people for special tasks.
The scriptures contain stories of simple men and women whom God chose as leaders, messengers, judges and prophets. “And he has chosen those of low descent in the world and the rejects and those who are nothing, to nullify those who are” (1 Corinthians 1:28). Obviously, Jesus did not just select his disciples randomly and carelessly, he selected them prayerfully. He prayed all night and sought for divine wisdom before he embarked on the action of selecting hi: team of disciples. He teaches us the importance of prayers 8before executing an action. Do we also take time to pray before we embark on a mission or task? Can we learn from the stories of the Apostles who responded positively to the call of Jesus and who remained faithful and committed in serving God and people?
Ephesians 2:19-22; Luke 6:12-19; Ss Simon & Jude.
