The gospel lesson for this week's reflections recounts the story of Jesus calling his disciples. These "early adopters" left hometowns, occupations and families to join the gospel movement. Their lives would never be the same again. We, who walk in the earth-shattering influence of this heritage, know its life changing power. We are hard pressed to imagine how 2,000 years of human history would be different if it were not for this simple carpenter from no-name Nazareth and his humble cast of sidekicks. Hospitals, orphanages, academies of learning, institutions of spiritual and religious renewal and a general concern to help relieve the needs of the poor have all come to pass by those who have endeavored to follow Jesus. His disciples heard the Spirit's calling. They sought to live up to his example. They endured sufferings and embraced sacrifice, all in order to be his continued expression of grace, love and forgiveness to the world. Granted, there have been periods of history and specific Christian personalities who got it wrong. But such digression was only possible because those who strayed from the path cared little for matching their steps with the Master's. Join us this Sunday, when we remember and embrace the legacy of the disciples, men and women committed to following the way of Jesus no matter the costs.
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