Gospel
Luke 6:12-19
Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. And he came down with them and stood on a stretch of level ground. A great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured. Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all.
Sermon
My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. He departs to the mountain to pray, spends the night in prayer, and then chooses the Twelve Apostles. This moment of prayer and discernment sets the stage for the rest of Jesus' ministry, and it's a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer and community in our own lives.
Jesus' prayer on the mountain is not just a solitary activity, but it's also a communal one. He's not just praying for himself, but for the community of disciples who will carry on his mission. And when he chooses the Twelve Apostles, he's not just choosing individuals, but he's forming a community of leaders who will work together to spread the Gospel.
The passage also highlights the power of Jesus' ministry. The crowd that gathers to hear him is not just curious, but they're also seeking healing and restoration. And Jesus responds with compassion and power, healing them all.
This passage challenges us to consider our own approach to prayer and community. Are we like Jesus, who prioritizes prayer and discernment before making important decisions? Are we like the Twelve Apostles, who are willing to work together to carry on the mission of Jesus?
May we be inspired by Jesus' example, and may we cultivate a deeper commitment to prayer and community in our own lives.
Prayer
Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we come before you, inspired by Jesus' example of prayer and community. We ask for the grace to prioritize prayer and discernment in our own lives, just as Jesus did on the mountain.
Help us to see the value of community and to work together to carry on the mission of Jesus. Give us the courage to form communities of leaders who will spread the Gospel and bring healing and restoration to all.
We pray for the power of Jesus' ministry to be present in our own lives and in our communities. May we be instruments of healing and restoration, just as Jesus was.
Forgive us for neglecting prayer and community in our lives. Help us to cultivate a deeper commitment to these values.
May we be like the Twelve Apostles, willing to work together to carry on the mission of Jesus. May we be like Jesus, who prioritized prayer and discernment before making important decisions.
We pray for the Church, that we may be a community of people who prioritize prayer and community, and who work together to spread the Gospel.
In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,
Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ