How can I reconcile the profound wisdom of Saint Francis de Sales, who reminded us that “Christians…bring forth the fruits of devotion, each one in accord with his character, his station and his calling”, with the challenging reality that while God “summoned those whom he #wanted,” this divine purpose often contrasts sharply with human desires—whether it is the president believing God’s purpose aligns with MAGA, or society justifying harm to the vulnerable through relativistic logic❓
Gospel
Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted
and they came to him.
He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles,
that they might be with him
and he might send them forth to preach
and to have authority to drive out demons:
He appointed the Twelve:
Simon, whom he named Peter;
James, son of Zebedee,
and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges,
that is, sons of thunder;
Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew,
Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus;
Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean,
and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.
Lectio Divina Reflection on “summoned those whom he wanted“
In contemplating the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, I am struck by the tender reality that God has always wanted us to draw nearer to Him through humility and gentleness. Saint Francis lived out this call, offering a life rooted in compassion and service, reminding us that what God has wanted for us is not grandiosity, but a quiet trust in His love. Can I embrace this same humility, recognizing that what I may have wanted in life might not always align with the deeper purpose God has summoned me to fulfill❓
Reflecting on the environmental crises highlighted in On Care for Our Common Home, I see how humanity has long wanted dominion over creation, yet this desire has often led to exploitation rather than stewardship. In our collective yearning for progress, we have neglected the delicate balance of ecosystems and the cries of the poor. Is it not time to realign what we have wanted with what God desires for His creation, allowing us to live in harmony with the natural world❓
the perspective of the “sound ‘decentralization’” (EG 16) wanted by Pope Francis and many
Episcopal Conferences.
At “The Glenn,” the animals we chose were selected with careful purpose, each wanted for the role they would play in maintaining balance and order. Yet even here, I am reminded that our human desires, no matter how thoughtful, are always limited by our understanding. Could it be that God’s greater design—one we may not fully grasp—has always wanted a more profound harmony than we can imagine, even in the smallest details of our lives❓
and I always wanted to ask this question
12:23
you wanted to bring up uh pray for the
Faith teaches me that God wanted our president to lead during this time, but faith also reminds me that God’s purpose transcends any political agenda. The notion of “MAGA” and its associated values might reflect human pride more than divine intent. What God has wanted is not the perpetuation of earthly kingdoms but the fulfillment of His eternal one—a kingdom of justice, mercy, and love. Do I have the courage to trust in what He has wanted rather than what the world promotes as necessary or desirable❓
As I meditate on the Gospel, I marvel at how Jesus, in His wisdom, “summoned those whom he wanted,” not based on human merit or societal status, but according to divine will. This call extended to fishermen, tax collectors, and even those society might have rejected. Can I learn to trust that He has summoned me as I am, not because of what I have wanted for myself, but because of what He has always wanted for me❓ Can I truly understand the depth of this call to be His disciple, knowing He has…
Is it not the same relativistic logic which justifies buying the organs of the poor for resale or use in experimentation, or eliminating children because they are not what their parents wanted❓
FROM PARAGRAPH 123 of ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME