24 January, Friday — “God has chosen me”

24 Jan – Memorial for St. Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church

St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was born in a castle to a well-placed family. His parents intended him to become a lawyer, enter politics, and carry on the family line and power. He studied at La Roche, Annecy, Clermont College in Paris, and law at the University of Padua. He became a Doctor of Law, returned home, and found a position as Senate advocate.

It was at this point that he received a message telling him to “Leave all and follow Me”. He took this as a call to the priesthood, a move his family fiercely opposed. However, he pursued a devoted prayer life, and his gentle ways won over the family.

He became a priest, and a provost in the diocese of Geneva, Switzerland, a stronghold of Calvinists. He was a preacher, writer and spiritual director in the district of Chablais. His simple, clear explanations of Catholic doctrine, and his gentle way with everyone, brought many back to the Roman Church.

He was ordained Bishop of Geneva at the age of 35. He travelled and evangelized throughout the Duchy of Savoy, working with children whenever he could. He was a friend of St. Vincent de Paul. He turned down a wealthy French bishopric. He helped found the Order of the Visitation with St. Jeanne de Chantal. He was a prolific correspondent. He was declared a Doctor of the Church.

• Patron Saint Index

Heb 8:6-13
Mk 3:13-19

Jesus went up into the hills and summoned those he wanted. So they came to him and he appointed twelve…

Brothers and sisters, last Friday, I had the privilege of leading the choir during the recessional hymn at the Red Mass – a special occasion where the Catholic legal fraternity pauses to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we begin the legal year. We sang Bernadette Farrell’s ‘God Has Chosen Me’, and the second verse especially resonated with me: “God has chosen me to set alight a new fire… God has chosen me to bring to birth a new kingdom on earth…” The lyrics reminded me of something powerful – being chosen by God is not passive. It is a summons to action, to transformation, and above all, to a purpose far greater than we can imagine.

The lyrics of that hymn tie in with today’s Gospel reading. Here, Jesus does something extraordinary – He goes up into the hills and summons those He wanted to follow Him. These were ordinary people. Not scholars or the elite, but fishermen, a tax collector, and a zealot. He calls flawed, imperfect individuals, knowing full well their weaknesses. And that’s the beauty of it – His call isn’t based on our qualifications, but on His grace. He calls us not because of who we are, but because of who we can become in Him.

Jesus does not just summon; He appoints. He invited the twelve disciples into a relationship – a close, life-changing companionship to prepare them for a mission that would shape eternity. That same appointment applies to us. We are called to more than just believing in Christ. We are called to live as His ambassadors in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.”

But transformation to do these good works does not happen overnight. Like the disciples, we need training. Mark tells us the twelve were “to be His companions”. They spent time with Him – learning, listening, and being moulded in His likeness. Today, our training comes through prayer and Scripture. God’s Word is our guide, shaping us and equipping us for the challenges ahead. Without it, we risk stepping out unprepared.

And then comes the sending. After summoning, appointing, and training, Jesus sends the twelve out to share His message with the world. Being sent is about living the gospel in our everyday lives – whether through kindness, courage, or simply being a light in the lives of those around you. Most importantly, it is about coming to Jesus and saying “yes” to the opportunities He places before you, trusting that He will empower and guide you.

Take this to heart today: “Jesus doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.” The world is not waiting for your perfection; it is waiting for your willingness. Let us say “yes” to Him when he calls!

(Today’s OXYGEN by Stacey Fernandez)

Prayer: Lord, we come before You with open hearts, eager to embrace the calling You have placed in our lives. We reflect on the truth that You summon us not for our merits, but by Your grace. Give us the courage to say “yes” to Your call.

Thanksgiving: Gracious God, thank You for choosing us, not for our qualifications but for Your boundless love and mercy. We are grateful for the relationship You invite us into and for our role in bringing Your kingdom to life on earth. Thank You for the transformative power of Your Word, the preparation You provide, and the strength of Your Spirit within us.