“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

The prophet Samuel responded to God’s invitation to choose among Jesse’s children a new King for Israel.  Samuel saw Eliab and thought that he must be the anointed one.  But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him.  The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart”.  Later on, David the youngest son appeared.  Then the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!”

All of the apostles that Jesus chose, apart from Judas, were dutiful and passionate witnesses for Jesus, even in the face of martyrdom.  From the human perspective, the apostles were not outstanding.  With God’s help, however, each apostle seemed distinctive and unique.

In the same manner, we may not appear to be useful in other’s eyes.  But in God’s eyes, we may be His chosen instrument who are called to bear witness to Him.  There is no one that could replace a person’s unique role in their family and community.