2nd Week in Ord. Time, Friday – 21st January 2022 — Gospel: Mark 3,13-19
Name Significance
In this narrative of the names of the twelve disciples, the number twelve makes this group as representative of the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus, Jesus would be seen as one who has come to restore Israel. In the choice of the twelve, Mark the evangelist makes three points in his narration. Firstly, their primary responsibility is “to be with him”, which means to accompany Jesus in his journey to the Father. Secondly, they are also sent out with authority to preach and heal, to say and to do, word and action. The kingdom of God is not merely a spiritual enterprise, rather connected intimately with the whole life, i.e., a practical enterprise as well. Thirdly, some of the twelve are given nicknames. Simon is named “Peter”, which means “rock” and James and John are named “Boanerges”, which means “sons of thunder.” These signified their function. Judas Iscariot is not renamed, but given an indication already here of what he will do in the future.
