GOSPEL READING Mk 3:13-19
Jesus appointed the twelve. For the Jews the number was symbolic and it had its specific meaning. It also referred to the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve sons of Jacob. These twelve sons were indirectly the fathers (patriarchs) of the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus by appointing the twelve was making the people realize that he was beginning the birth of the new Israel with these twelve men.
The works of the twelve were also given to them. They were to be with him (Jesus). These new Israelites were people belonging to Jesus and were attached to him (They were in the world but they did not belong to the world). They would cast out evil spirits from among the people. Their main activity was to remove evil and doing good among the people.
