The Mission of the Twelve
Lk 6:12-16
12In those days [Jesus] departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. 13When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles: 14Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, 16and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
TWELVE. From among his disciples Jesus chooses the Twelve. He names them apostles. They will be his closest collaborators in the mission of salvation. Jesus wills that his mission be shared to others.
Before he chooses the Twelve, Jesus spends the night in prayer. He needs enlightenment from God so that his choice will be in accord with the heavenly Father’s will. Jesus’ example tells us that, when we have to make important decisions, we need to pray for divine light and guidance so that our decisions will be in accordance with God’s will.
The Gospel names the Twelve. For about three years they will accompany Jesus in his preaching and healing mission. Jesus will teach them. They will witness the miracles of Jesus. Despite Jesus’ powerful teaching and healing, one of the Twelve will turn out to be a traitor. Judas Iscariot will betray his Master for 30 pieces of silver.
Among the Twelve are two Judases
—one betrayed his Master;
the other became a foundation stone of the Church
and is now known as the patron
of impossible cases.
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