July 18

From Disciple To Apostle

When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles: — Luke 6:13 BSB

At the foundation of everything, there is a divine order. We sense it in the most beautiful music, see traces of it in the finest art, and encounter it in our purest meditations. Our souls bear witness to its beauty and truth whenever it appears before us. Jesus testifies to this divine order in His Beatitudes and other teachings, which resonate with our conscience as good and right. As we walk with Him, He explains the mysteries of life in ways that speak to our hearts, and we know He speaks the truth. Eventually, He leads us beyond the boundaries of our understanding, up to the heights of mysteries we have not yet trodden. He speaks to us about the nature of God, assures us of the forgiveness of sins, and lifts the veil to show us the unseen and eternal. He leads us into a new vision of how all things work together according to God’s eternal purpose. Having trusted Him when our conscience affirmed His words, we can now trust Him with the greater truths that surpass our understanding. This is how we become His disciples.

Among the disciples, Jesus chose some to be apostles. We begin as learners, and after a time, we are sent to teach. In the early years, we serve as apprentices, but eventually, we become master workers. The disciple becomes an apostle, chosen not for personal comfort, but to be an instrument through which Christ fulfills His eternal purpose. Election is not primarily about salvation, but about service. We are not chosen simply to be spared from destruction, but to go forth and serve, to teach others about God’s law and love, and to bring the world into obedience to Christ.

Prayer

Most Blessed Lord, we thank You that we may become Your disciples. Give us teachable hearts and ears that listen. May we sit at Your feet and be molded according to Your will. Choose us, send us forth, and trust us with Your sacred ministry, fulfilling in us the good pleasure of Your will. Amen.