Mark 3:13-19 NRSVue

¹³He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. ¹⁴And he appointed twelve to be with him and to be sent out to preach ¹⁵and to have authority to cast out demons. ¹⁶So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), ¹⁷James son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder), ¹⁸and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, ¹⁹and Judas Iscariot, who handed him over.

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
As I prayerfully read the names of the apostles, I realise that I know something about some of them, and little about others. Similarly, my life of faith is known to some yet hidden from many. I offer it all to God.

Reflection
‘Then he went home.’ It seems that Jesus was able to trust the apostles to act in his name to do what he did. In the same way he trusts me confident that his spirit is alive in me as I speak and act in his name.

Reflection
I may think I have chosen Jesus, but in fact he has chosen me. Like the apostles, I am chosen to be part of his mission. Imagine the apostles, having been chosen, looking at each other, and James and John turning to Andrew and asking, "Who's this Thaddeus guy?" They could well have been uneasy at rubbing shoulders with a reformed tax collector like Matthew, and a fanatical nationalist like Simon.

Reflection
The Lord's choice of followers may surprise me, and at times I may have difficulties with them, but they are chosen, with their faults, just as I am.

Reflection
The calling of the twelve is to an active sharing in the life of Jesus. As in all discipleship they are called to be with him, to listen and to learn from his words and life. Further to that, they are sent out to share in what he wants to do for the world. They will share that to death in most cases. Our calling is similar – to spend time in prayer, with the word of God and to share in our own way in the work of Jesus in the world. Each of us finds that within the cluster of our own talents and gifts from God, all called to make the corner of the world we live in a better place for all. In prayer we can offer that desire to God – we want to be with him in this way as much as he wants us to be with him. 

Reflection
We can put our name in that list. Say it aloud to yourself or silently. You are there, called by the Lord because he wants you. The gospel will reach some people only because of your words and your life. Ask for help and give thanks.