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The 12 Apostles




Gospel
Mark 3:13-19
He appointed twelve to be his companions

Jesus went up into the hills and summoned those he wanted. So they came to him and he appointed twelve; they were to be his companions and to be sent out to preach, with power to cast out devils. And so he appointed the Twelve: Simon to whom he gave the name Peter, James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom he gave the name Boanerges or ‘Sons of Thunder’; then Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, the man who was to betray him.

Reflection

In this passage, Jesus intentionally chooses twelve ordinary men from diverse backgrounds—fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot—to form his inner circle. He doesn't select based on status or skill but on his sovereign will, equipping them not just as companions but as empowered messengers to preach and drive out demons. This reminds us that God's calling transforms the unlikely into vessels of his power, emphasizing relationship, mission, and the reality of human frailty, as seen in Judas's eventual betrayal.

Question for Reflection

Who is Jesus calling you to walk with today, and what "power" might he want to entrust to you for his mission?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for calling us by name, just as you did your twelve apostles. Empower us to be your faithful companions, bold in preaching your word and overcoming evil by your Spirit. Guard our hearts from betrayal, and draw us closer to you. Amen.





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