A mission by imperfect agents

The reflection of Chas Kestermeier, S.J. on the texts in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today starts some serious consideration of the mystery of selection according to the will of God. The Gospel account of Luke emphasizes the time Jesus spends in prayer before the Twelve are chosen. Friar Jude Winkler notes how Jesus knew the character of Judas Iscariot, yet, the will of God would be done through his selection. Saint Peter Claver SJ, commemorated by the Church today, was transformed to serve justice and charity during the slave trade. This period in our history was one when some Church members failed to see slavery as evil opposite to the Love of God. The airing of our laundry in public which frustrates Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, is sometimes a necessary action for the Church as the sex scandals of recent time teach us. We lose sight of mission for which we live. In our ineptness and even sin, we are loved.