To read the texts click on the texts: 1 Sam 24:3-21; Mk 3:13-19
Mark narrates here the choice of the
twelve disciples. The number twelve makes this group representative of the
twelve tribes of Israel and
thus Jesus would be seen as the one who has come to restore Israel .
Mark makes three points in his
narration of the choice of the twelve. The first is that the primary
reason for the choice of the Twelve is “to be with him”. This means that their
primary responsibility is to accompany Jesus on his journey to the Father. The
second point is that besides “being with him”, they are also sent out to preach
and heal, to say and to do, word and action. The Kingdom of God
is not merely a spiritual enterprise, but connected intimately with the whole
of life. It is a practical enterprise as well. The third point that Mark makes
is that some of the Twelve are given nicknames. Simon is named “Peter” (which
means “rock”) and James and John are named “Boanerges” (which means “sons of
thunder”). These signified their function. Judas Iscariot is not renamed, but
Mark gives us an indication already here of what he will do in the future.
Each of us also received a new name at
our Baptism: the name “Christian”. The challenge is to hear Jesus call our name
and to have the courage to answer that call.
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