Tuesday of week 23 in Ordinary Time
Or Optional memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest
Luke 6:12-19
Chosen to be with Him

When we read the Gospel, we see Jesus choosing His apostles. And the first reason is simple but profound: He wanted them to be with Him (cf. Mk 3:14). Jesus did not call them first to do things, but to live in friendship with Him. It is beautiful to think that the Son of God desired the closeness of friends, that He needed hearts to walk with Him. God, who is Father, is not content until every child has returned home.

Jesus could have left us a book or a system of ideas, but He chose instead to write His message in the lives of men and women. They became His “living books.” This reminds us that Christianity is not a theory but a life shared. To be a disciple means to be a learner—always learning from the Lord, always listening more deeply to His Word, until the day we meet Him face to face.

And then Jesus made them apostles—sent ones, ambassadors. A Christian is never only for himself; he is always sent. We are called to represent Christ, not only with our words but with our lives, our gestures, our mercy. A child once called the apostles “Jesus’ samples.” Yes! Every Christian is meant to be a living sample of Christ.

But notice this: those Jesus chose were not extraordinary men. They were fishermen, tax collectors, and even enemies in society’s eyes. Yet Jesus united them, Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot, men who should have hated each other. Only Christ can make such opposites live together in peace. This is His miracle—turning division into communion.

Let us ask ourselves: Am I living as His friend? Am I letting my life become His message? Am I an ambassador of His love where I live?

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