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Saturday, January 18, 2014

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1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1
Psalm 21:2-7
Mark 2:13-17

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you are chosen for greatness

"I have come to call sinners." —Mark 2:17

Saul was outsmarted by some lost asses (1 Sm 9:4). Nevertheless, the Lord chose him to become king and sent Samuel to anoint him (1 Sm 10:1).

Levi (Matthew) was a tax-collector, one of the most sinful occupations in his society (Mk 2:14). Nevertheless, Jesus called Matthew to follow Him (Mk 2:14).

The Lord chooses the most unlikely people to be great in His kingdom. "God chose those whom the world considers absurd to shame the wise; He singled out the weak of this world to shame the strong. He chose the world's lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who were something; so that mankind can do no boasting before God" (1 Cor 1:27-29).

The Lord has chosen you to be great because He has called you to be His child. You must live not a minimalistic, superficial, mediocre life, but rather an abundant, holy, and eternal life. You are so precious that you were purchased at the price of the incarnate God's blood (1 Cor 6:20). You are so important that you can't become more important. You can only become more aware of your greatness in Him.

As unworthy as you are, you are chosen to be great. Become what the Lord has chosen you to be.

Prayer:  Father, may I aspire to greatness and serve the needs of all (Mt 20:26-27).

Promise:  "People who are healthy do not need a doctor; sick people do." —Mk 2:17

Praise:  Charlie went to Confession again after many years. Jesus lifted his burden of sin.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Who Am I In Christ? or our four-part series of audio tapes starting with AV 7A-1 or our two-part video series starting with V-7A.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2013

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