Reflections
January 19, 2012, 11:20pm
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.
Reflection:
He appointed Twelve. Jesus chooses twelve whom He also names
apostles. His choice is not dependent on any qualifications or
criteria. The Twelve are ordinary working men, most of them with no
great educational background or social prominence. The important thing
is that they be with Him. By being with Jesus, the Twelve are gradually
led into the heart of Jesus; they learn not from His words alone but
from His very life as it unveils before them. Eventually, they are sent
forth to continue his mission, to preach, and to drive out demons.
The number twelve has a clear redemptive and historical symbolism.
The Twelve represent in a new form the people of the twelve tribes of
Israel — the Chosen People.
Jesus continues to need people who are willing to work for Him and
to serve for God’s people. Jesus has chosen and called us to God’s
vineyard. He does not mind our failures and sins, our shortcomings and
limitations. He is willing to take risks with us and to invest in us.
All he wants is our commitment to him and our dedication to his mission.
Is there something or someone in this world that keeps us from
giving our selves totally for Jesus? Do we allow Jesus to use our
talent, time, and treasure for his purposes?
No comments:
Post a Comment