mercy and choice
“He then went up the mountain and summoned the men He Himself had decided on.” —Mark 3:13
Throughout salvation history, God has been continually choosing His servants. God, through the prophet Samuel, chose David (1 Sm 16:12). Jesus chose the Twelve apostles (Mk 3:13). Jesus said: “It was not you who chose Me, it was I Who chose you” (Jn 15:16). Jesus even chose a man “who betrayed Him” (Mk 3:19).
In today’s psalm, the psalmist, David, prays: “Have pity on me, O God; have pity on me” (Ps 57:2). Through the apostles and their successors, God does have mercy on us (see Jn 20:21-23). He bestows abundant mercy through His Church. Do we want to receive His mercy through the Church, God’s chosen dispenser of mercy? Or do we want God to show mercy directly to us? Likewise Naaman wanted to receive mercy personally from Elijah. Naaman was too proud to receive mercy and healing in a way that seemed less catered to his wishes (2 Kgs 5:5ff).
We often think it’s our choice to serve God or not. This is partially true, as God has granted us free will to make such life-changing choices (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1730-1731, 1993). But first, God has chosen us and loved us (1 Jn 4:19). Accept His choice of you, as well as His choice of how He wishes for you to serve Him. May the mercy of God flow into you, and then through you to a hurting world.
Prayer: Father, thank You for choosing me. I ratify Your choice by freely saying “Yes” to You. Use me and use me up.
Promise: “May the Lord reward you generously for what you have done this day.” —1 Sm 24:20
Praise: St. Marianne Cope was known as Mother Marianne of Molaka’i. She took over what Fr. Damien had started and brought new life and hope to the lepers on Molaka’i.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 2025"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.