Word to the Wise
Friday, January 24, 2014 - Thursday in the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Sam 18:6-9; 19:1-7 and Mark 3:7-12]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.
JANUARY 24, ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
In the Bible, big decisions are made by divine authority on top of a mountain! So, the Gospel of Mark sends Jesus up a mountain to announce his "cabinet." He calls them by name and gives them the title, "apostle," which means in Greek, someone who is sent. Mark explains that in the text! Jesus also plays around with names, giving Simon the name, Peter, and nicknaming the Zebedee brothers, James and John, "Sons of Thunder." These first three would become a kind of "inner cabinet" that would share some significant moments like the "transfiguration." But the whole group is a "mixed bag." After all one of them would betray Jesus after sharing in the ministry of teaching and driving out demons! Some of them would be prominent figures, others would be just a face in the crowd. Jesus needed twelve to create the significant number representing a "new Israel," and that's what happened. Even when Judas left the group, he was replaced, by lot, with Mathias. After Pentecost, the "Twelve" fade into the background much like the foundation on a building once the superstructure begins to rise. (The Book of Revelation points out that the names of the Twelve are written on the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem - Rev. 21:14. One wonders if there was an asterisk by Mathias' name!)
From all this, we can see that Jesus started with a mixed bunch and they continue even to this very day as a "mixed bunch" with all the foibles and faults and virtues and gifts of any human person. Nevertheless, the bishops are the successors of the apostles and the vast majority are good men doing their best with a difficult job. Some of them, like Francis de Sales, became recognized as saints! They deserve our prayers, support and constructive feedback! AMEN