All who are called by Christ are preserved by Him

 

Friday of week 24 in Ordinary Time 

1 Corinthians 15:12-20 ·

Psalm 16(17):1,6-8,15

Luke 8:1-3

There is a place for everyone in God’s kingdom. The followers of Jesus were diverse—beyond the twelve apostles and the other disciples (72), women also followed Him like (Blessed Virgin Mary at significant points in his public life) Joanna, Susanna, Salome, Martha and Mary of Bethany, Mary the mother of James and Joses and Mary Magdalene, who was delivered from seven demons and later became the first witness to Christ’s resurrection, also followed Him. To many in her time, this was scandalous. Luke wrote to an audience with certain social perceptions about women and children. Men often believed women shouldn’t hold high responsibilities, especially in society, but Christ sees everyone as equally important. Hearing His call is what truly matters, emphasizing that we should value all who listen to Christ Jesus.

For these devoted women, their love for Jesus runs deeper than anything else. They would choose to lose their families and earthly comforts rather than part with Him. They hold Him close in their hearts, willingly sacrificing everything for His sake. Their love is unshakable, even in the face of persecution. No force, human or demonic, has ever managed to break the bond between Christ and His followers.

We often mourn that we cannot love enough. We wish our hearts could contain more, reach further, as Samuel Rutherford yearned for love that spans the entire earth and heaven—an infinite love poured out solely upon Christ. Yet, our love is but a drop compared to His greatness. If we measure love by our intentions, it seems immense.

In Amos 9:9, God declares:

"For surely, I will give the command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth."

This shows the incredible safety of God's people; even when sifted by Him across all nations, not one tiny grain is lost. Every believer—man, woman, or child—is precious in His sight. Just as a shepherd keeps every sheep safe, or a mother fears losing her child, the Lord will not lose any of His redeemed. No matter how small we seem, if we belong to Him, we can rejoice in the hope of His preservation in Christ Jesus.