Friday of Week 2 – Heb 8:6-13; Ps 84:8.10-14; Mark 3:13-19

Each one of many

Each called to be a disciple

In today’s Gospel, I was struck by the opening line: “Jesus went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him.” Following this, He appointed the Twelve to be with him, empowering them to preach and to cast out demons. Among them was also the one destined to betray him. My focus today is particularly on that first sentence.

I find myself pondering how this calling unfolded. Did Jesus personally invite each of the chosen ones, leading them up the mountain together, or did He send someone to gather them, as the Gospel suggests? Regardless, He selected the Apostles from those who followed Him, likely from a broader group of disciples. While the number may not have been vast, it was certainly more than just twelve. This is further evidenced by a later event when the Apostles filled the vacancy left by Judas, ultimately leading to Matthias being chosen.

Is this detail insignificant? Perhaps not. It highlights the essential truth that to become an Apostle, one must first be a disciple. This serves as a personal reminder: even if I am not chosen for a more prominent role, I am still called to follow Jesus. My worth is not defined by titles such as pope, cardinal, or bishop.

 I may not be anyone of great significance, nor do I seek the admiration of those who revere the esteemed. Yet, I am grateful for the grace of faith that allows me to be a disciple. I strive to embody the Gospel in the small, everyday moments that life presents to me.