2nd Week in Ord. Time, Friday – 22nd January 2021 — Gospel: Mark 3,13-19
Called unto Himself
Jesus forms a group of twelve disciples to collaborate with him in his ministry and to carry out his mission on earth after his departure. He took this major step for his mission on a high place. He emphasizes the solemnity of his selection by going “up the mountain” and calling to himself those whom he chooses, just as Moses went up to Mount Sinai as God formed the twelve tribes of Israel into his chosen people. Jesus’ selection of the twelve also underlines his own sovereign choice, similar to God’s calling of individuals in the Old Testament (Is 43,2&4). Jesus’ calling has a powerful effect. As he calls them, they come to him on the mountain. Unlike the rabbis of Jesus’ day, who were chosen by their disciples as a guide to follow the Torah, Jesus chooses each of the twelve, calling them not to the Torah but to himself. The choice of the twelve expresses the fact that God is restoring Israel in fulfilment of the words of the prophets. At the same time, Jesus is bringing the long-awaited kingdom of God to his ancient people.
