The Raw Material

Someone has suggested that if Jesus were to send his twelve disciples for psychological testing today he might receive this reply: “Thank you for submitting the résumés of the twelve men you have picked for managerial positions in your new organization. All of them have taken our complete battery of tests. In addition, we arranged personality interviews for each of your candidates with our psychologists and vocational aptitude consultants. It is the opinion of our staff that most of your nominees are lacking in the background, education, and skills necessary for the success of your enterprise. None of them shows an understanding of the team concept. Simon Peter is impulsive and would benefit from anger-management counseling. Andrew has no measureable leadership qualities. The two brothers, James and John, place personal ambition above company loyalty. Thomas shows a skeptical attitude that would tend to undermine morale. In his previous business, Matthew was blacklisted by the Jerusalem Better Business Bureau. James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus definitely have radical political leanings, and appear to have unstable temperaments. One of the candidates, however, shows real potential. He is a man of ability and resourcefulness, possesses excellent social skills, and has contacts in high places. He is highly motivated, ambitious, and responsible. We recommend Judas Iscariot as your comptroller and right-hand man.”

Today Jesus calls us. Like Peter, we lack faith. Like Andrew, we have much to learn. Like James and John, we are selfish. Like Matthew, we have a past. Like Thomas, we sometimes doubt. If Jesus could use them, he can certainly use us. With God’s help, we too can grow from strength to strength and accomplish great things for God and the Kingdom. The call to follow Jesus is urgent. Answer now.

Weekly reflections are provided by our bulletin publisher, J. S. Paluch, Inc.