We are his people: the sheep of his flock. -- Psalm 100:3
Mass readings: Exodus 19:2-6 / Romans 5:6-11 / Matthew 9:36-10:8
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus chooses 12 men as leaders for His people. They weren't perfect but despite their human failings all but Judas went on to give powerful witness to Christ.
A while back at my family's reunion, there was an enormous display showing eight generations. From those many ancestors I knew only my father and my grandfather, but the long chart (going back to the 1780s) gave me a sense of God's providential care made present through fallible human beings with strengths and weaknesses like my own.
Like the apostles, most fathers shepherd and lead their children well. Today we're reminded to thank God for human fathers. May He continue to bestow His grace on all dads in their important vocation.
Prayer: Lord God, model of fatherly care, reveal Your love through the love of human fathers.