The Gospel proclamation describes how Jesus chose his apostles. After much prayer and preparation, Jesus chose Judas his betrayer as well as Peter who denied him but later became the leader of the Church. According to the plan of salvation, everyone had a role to play. Our loving Saviour and Redeemer had to deal with people who loved him ardently and also deal with people like Judas. Both categories were important, thus the Lord experienced joy and pain in his life. We too experience happiness as well as sorrow. Joys in life keep us lifted up but what about sorrows? Let us remember the famous saying: “No pain, no gain”. The Lord’s suffering paved the way to salvation. From the cross to the crown, from death to resurrection, from shame to glory, the Lord endured it all. May our suffering, rejection or pain remind us that they are sometimes necessary for our growth in character. Going through rough times with endurance can build our lives as a tree that goes through pruning bears much fruit in future.

Prayer: Abba Father, strengthen us when we go through hardships in life, as everything will lead us to glorify you in the end. Amen.