Jesus chose the wrong disciples

Jesus chose the wrong disciples. He could have picked out the most gifted and able, but he didn’t. The ordinary, flawed and limited. Those he chose were later filled with the Holy Spirit and strived to be faithful to Jesus’ words.

Bishops appointed are the wrong people for the job. The most able and skilful could be chosen but they are not. Though the wrong choices, they too are filled with the Holy Spirit and strive to co operate with the Gospel and are encouraged by Jesus’ continuing presence

Priests are the wrong people to be in the priesthood. But Jesus chooses and calls despite weakness and others being more qualified. Priests are not chosen because they are the best people for the job. Yet priests too are filled with the Holy Spirit and cooperate with the gospel and are inspired by the continuing presence of Christ.

In this context those called to ministry thrive not because they are the best skilled or qualified but because Christ calls and says follow me. My fears for a ministry review is that it measures success and the criteria for that success is undefined.

When I was appointed to my first parish, Archbishop Maurice said “it’s a hard place to be, but someone has to go there, and it might as well be you!” That was my first ministry review! To be honest that freed me from thinking that the grass is greener elsewhere and I realised from that moment that I am in the right place, at the right moment, because I am called by Christ who sustains me and remains the heart of my priesthood.