Mark 3:13-19

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 God, I praise you for all your works. As I contemplate the appointment of the Twelve, I realize how unique each one was. You look upon me with the same love and know who I am better than I know myself. Help me today to know my strengths and my weaknesses, my personality traits and deepest desires, so that I may better serve you and your Kingdom.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Holiness of Peter and Andrew: Contemplating the lives of the Twelve Apostles can be a great comfort. There are many clues in the Gospels about their diverse personalities. Eleven of the twelve were saints, and this means that we, with our diverse personalities, can also attain holiness. Simon Peter was impulsive and bold, often speaking first without thinking everything through. He had leadership qualities and was strong-willed, and didn’t hesitate to speak his mind or attempt to rebuke Jesus. He was enthusiastic and passionate. He confessed openly that he was a sinful man and wept bitterly when he denied his Lord. By contrast, his brother, Andrew, was humble, thoughtful, and eager to serve quietly. Andrew was less impulsive and outspoken and preferred a supportive role. Peter led the Church in Jerusalem, in Antioch, and later in Rome. When Peter fell into hypocrisy, he took Paul’s criticism to heart and changed his ways. Peter went west to the capital city of Rome and gave his life for Christ on an upside-down crucifix. Andrew went north to Constantinople and the Black Sea and gave his life for Christ on an X-shaped crucifix. Whether we are like Peter – impulsive, primary, bold, ambitious, passionate – or like his brother Andrew – humble, helpful, supportive – we are all called holiness!

2. The Holiness of the Sons of Zebedee: The Gospel of Mark gives us the nickname of James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were called “Boanerges” or “sons of thunder.” They wanted to call down fire from heaven upon the towns that refused to welcome Jesus (Luke 9:54). Like Peter, the sons of Zebedee were zealous, passionate, and ambitious. They were bold and assertive and requested the seats of honor beside Jesus in the kingdom of God (Mark 10:35-45). James was martyred early in the life of the Church by King Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:2). Perhaps the death and martyrdom of his brother James modified John’s temperament. Instead of a “son of thunder,” John became an apostle of love, who lived a long life, wrote a Gospel, and emphasized the need to love one another. Whether we are like James and of fiery temperament to the end, or like John, and live a long life and are humbled by old age, we are all called to holiness!

3. The Holiness of James the Less and Philip: James the Lesser was the son of Alphaeus (Cleopas) and likely the cousin of Jesus. He became the bishop of Jerusalem and was the author of the Letter of James in the New Testament. James was known for his asceticism and holiness. He was called “James the Just.” He taught the Church that our faith needs to flourish in good works. A person is justified by works of love that bring our faith to completion and perfection. The Church historian Eusebius records how James abstained from wine and strong drink, and meat. He took the Nazarite vow and was even allowed to enter the Temple sanctuary as a priest. It was said that he was often found in the Temple, kneeling and praying for the forgiveness of the people of God. For this reason, he won over many Pharisees to the Christian faith. James is paired with Philip and celebrated on May 3. This was because their relics were brought to Rome in early May. From the Gospel, we know that Philip was logical and a realist, pointing out that five loaves of bread were not enough to feed five thousand. Philip was also a bridge and intermediary. He brought Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus and was one of the two whom the Greeks approached to bring them to Jesus (John 12:21-22). Philip displayed an inquisitiveness at the Last Supper when he asked Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father” (John 14:8). Whether we are like James, who is more pessimistic about the world, or Philip, who is a pragmatic realist, we are all called to holiness!

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. Like the Apostles, I want to spread your Gospel message of love and forgiveness.

Living the Word of God: Do I truly see myself as a member of the New People of God and the Kingdom of God? Am I setting a good example to others such that they can see that I belong to God and his Kingdom? How is God calling me, with my unique personality, to holiness?