20 January, Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Mk 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.

Reflection: 

The call of the apostles is worth endless reflections. To the eyes of the world, Jesus’ choice of disciples to establish the Heavenly Kingdom on earth and in time, to spread out worldwide may be ridiculous. If such important choice was left to the civil and religious authority of the time, perhaps we would find powerful people like Herod Antipas, Annas and Caiaphas (the high priests) or some prominent figures of social or religious standing. The fact that even today, God continues to choose the most unlikely ones like us, is something very humbling and consoling at the same time. God knows whom He chooses and what to do with those He chose. Jesus does not choose people because of what they are. He chooses them for what they can become under his direction and power; and he does marvels with those who believe in this fact. For our part, we just strive to identify our lives with him day after day. 

Action Plan: 

Respect God’s elect however insignificant they may seem to you. God has His purpose and wisdom.

Read and Reflect