He Also Wants You

January 24, 2025 // Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 3:13-19

Reflect on the Word// 

“I’ll be happy if I’m just a companion.” A friend was relaying a conversation she’d had with her dad about sainthood. They were chatting about questions like “If you become a Saint, what will you be patron of?” and “What do you hope your story of sanctity entails?” when he pointed to the companions of the canonized Saints. I don’t remember which Saint specifically he was referring to, but that sort of illustrates the point, because he was articulating that, so long as he was in Heaven, it didn’t matter if people remembered his name. Unnamed companions are celebrating with Jesus just as much as Saints with churches named for them, as are all of the holy men and women we may never know the names of until we (hopefully) arrive ourselves.

“Jesus went up to the mountain and summoned those whom He wanted and they came to Him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles” (Mark 3:13-14). Scripture says that He appointed Twelve, but leaves open the possibility that there were other disciples “whom he wanted” up on the mountain as well.  And perhaps it’s my own wounds of feeling unchosen and unworthy, but that thought stirs other questions in my heart. 

Does the selection of the Twelve for their particular mission make the others gathered any less valuable in His eyes? Does not being selected for that job opening, ending the relationship that would surely lead to marriage, or accidentally being forgotten when playdate schedules were made indicate anything about the love God has for me or the plans He has in store? 

And as I find myself getting swept up in that spiral of questions, memories, and woundedness, a calm presence places a hand on my shoulder and stills the chaos. 

Of course not, dear heart.

Another person’s success, mission, vocation, anything, does not affect our value as beloved daughters of God. May we focus our sights on joining Jesus in Heaven, whether as a named Saint, a companion, or an unnamed disciple whom He wants dearly.