Romans 8:26-30 / Luke 13:22-30
There is no doubt that we are influenced by the people around us.
So, with the people that we spend a considerable amount of time with, their words and behaviour will also influence our words and behaviour.
So obviously, we need to choose our friends and who we want to be friends with.
But there are also some people who wish to be acquainted with influential or famous people.
They do so for vested interests and maybe even for ulterior motives.
Jesus was a well-known figure and noted for His authoritative teachings and wonderful miracles.
Naturally, some people would want to be associated with Him for personal gains.
Probably these are the people who ate and drank in His company, and even followed Him in His ministry.
But they only wanted to make use of Jesus for their own interest and motives.
We need to remember that it was Jesus who chose and called us to follow Him.
As the 1st reading says: those that God has called according to His purpose, they are the ones God chose specially to become true images of His Son.
Let us respond to God’s call by drawing close to Jesus and listening deeply to His Word.
May His Word be our word, and may we also reflect the loving actions of Jesus.