REFLECTIONS TODAY

After ministering to a vast crowd, Jesus goes up the mountain to commune with the heavenly Father. After praying, he summons those he wants to be with him, and selects twelve to be his intimate companions. Later on, these will be known as a distinct group — the Twelve (Greek: dodeka), with or without the addition “apostles.” 

The number twelve has a clear historical and redemptive symbolism. The Twelve represent in a new form the people of the twelve tribes of Israel — the chosen people. 

In the selection of the Twelve, Jesus is forming a new community of God, not just as represented by them, but formed through them as they continue the mission of Jesus. 

Jesus’ election of close collaborators recalls to mind Jethro’s (Moses’ father-in-law) counsel to Moses when he saw Moses wearing himself out with the heavy task of guiding and judging the people’s disputes. 

Moses should look for able and God-fearing men to render decisions for the people in all routine cases, while Moses takes care of important cases. Moses then followed Jethro’s advice (Ex 18:17-23).

Jesus has the power to accomplish what his mission entails, yet from the beginning he calls fishermen to follow him “to catch men” for the Kingdom of heaven. Jesus looks for collaborators. From his disciples, he “calls” Twelve to be his apostles. 

Here, Mark gives us the list of their names. They are called “apostles” because they are sent in the name or authority of Jesus. 
The Twelve are Jesus’ closest collaborators. To them is entrusted the authority of leadership in the community of disciples, the new chosen people, just as the twelve sons of Jacob were to Israel. 

We are all invited to “be with Jesus” so that later we “may be sent.” 

Do you strive to be in communion with Jesus so that you can effectively bear witness to your faith in him?

Gospel • Mark 3:13-19

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: 
He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.