Have mercy on me, God, have mercy. — Psalm 57:2

Mass Readings: 1 Samuel 24:3-21 / Mark 3:13-19

First Things First

First Things First is the title of Stephen Covey’s bestseller. It is also an apt description of a guiding principle in the life and ministry of Jesus. In today’s Gospel, it was not the urgency of the clamoring crowds (see Mark 3:7-9) that drove Jesus, but the importance of seeking His Father’s will. Typically, mountains were regarded as places of prayer and divine revelation; and the corresponding account in Luke 6:12 indicates that Jesus spent a whole night in prayer before appointing the Twelve.

Those whom Jesus chooses must also learn to put first things first: the apostles were called first, to be with Jesus (verse 14); and it is was out of this being with Jesus that all other activities were to flow (verses 14,15). It’s the same for us.

Prayer: Loving Lord, teach me to appreciate and enjoy just being with You.