Word to the Wise
Friday, January 20, 2012 - Friday in the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Sam 24:3-21 and Mark 3:13-19]Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.....[Mark]
Great stories of great heroes often include actions that have a symbolic as well as a practical purpose. In today's gospel passage, the mountain and the number 12 are of great symbolic importance. The appointment of these men as "apostles," a term which comes from the Greek verb meaning, "to send forth.." is practical. Jesus has begun to attract a large following. He needs help in"inn getting the message and mission to spread.
The mountain recalls the experience of Moses with God on Mount Sinai, in which God forms a Chosen People from the TWELVE tribes of Israel. Jesus creates a "new Israel" which will become the "church." The apostles are more than just employees! They are to become Jesus' "inner circle" of companions and will act with his authority - even Judas Iscariot! They will preach and cast out demons, which is what Jesus has been doing. They will also share the hostility and opposition that Jesus is attracting from various quarters!
The Gospel of Mark is the focal gospel of Cycle B in the lectionary. It tells the story of Jesus in much terms much more plain and confrontative than the other two "synoptic gospels," Matthew and Luke. I hope to call attention to the various features that make up this "preaching portrait" of Jesus as we move through the liturgical year. For now, it might be a good idea to take the twenty or thirty minutes for a "fast read" of the whole gospel just to get an idea of the story! You won't be disappointed! AMEN