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:

He appointed the Twelve:

Simon, whom he named Peter;

James, son of Zebedee,

and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges,

that is, sons of thunder;

Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew,

Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus;

Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean,

and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

Opening Prayer: Lord, you are so patient with me, are slow to anger, and abound in merciful love for me. I am called to be merciful just as you are merciful. Justice and mercy go hand in hand. Help me to discern when I need to be firm in seeking justice, when I need to be a peacemaker, and when I need to show unbounded mercy.

Encountering the Word of God

1. David’s Respect for Saul: The First Reading narrates the conflict between Saul and David. One thing that emerges is the deep respect David has for Saul as the Lord’s anointed king. Instead of killing Saul, David leaves the judgment of the wicked king to God, knowing that God will exact justice. David points out that he took pity on Saul. In a certain sense, sparing the life of Saul in the cave was a greater victory for David than his victory over Goliath. David’s victory in the case of Saul is not attained through weapons and bloodshed, but by putting his anger to death and practicing mercy. Wickedness is never the right path.

2. The Consequences of David’s Mercy: Saul is moved to tears when he learns that David spared his life. Saul now knows more than ever that his time as king is ending and that one day David will reign as king over Israel. David has shown that he will be a good king, who is capable of mercy. David is not perfect. He knows this and many times throughout his reign we will see him entrust himself to the Lord’s mercy and beg for forgiveness.

3. Jesus Appointed Twelve Apostles: In the Gospel, Jesus appointed twelve new leaders for a new Israel. The twelve are called “apostles,” a title which means “one sent out.” They are authorized to act as Jesus’ envoys and representatives. On the one hand, they are tasked with being with Jesus. On the other, they are sent out to preach and drive out demons. The Apostles have different backgrounds, sensibilities, and personalities. Everything they are, all of their talents and abilities, can be placed at the service of God’s merciful Kingdom. However, only from intimate communion with Jesus will their apostolic ministry bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. The Apostles are to proclaim the Kingdom of God not only through their words but also by their actions. The Kingdom they proclaim and extend is in the world but not of the world. Over time they will learn that they will suffer for this Kingdom and that one of its main characteristics is merciful love.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you commissioned your Apostles and gave them the power to teach and drive out demons. I ask that you empower me today to carry out the mission you have given me. I want to spread your Gospel message of love and forgiveness.

Resolution: David and the Apostles all experienced divine mercy and, in turn, often extended mercy to those around them. We should imitate their good example. In fact, Jesus invites us to pray to the Father and ask for forgiveness in relation to how we forgive others (Matthew 5:12). We are told to be merciful as our Father is merciful (Luke 6:36). Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy! (Matthew 5:7). How can I practice mercy today?