Today's gospel account places us with Jesus on top of the mountain where he summoned those who he had chosen ... and they came to him (Mk 3:13). This is an essential truth that each one of Jesus disciples needs to realize: he is the one who calls us and invites us to come to him. He gives us full freedom to respond to this invitation (or to delay our acceptance of it) but if we accept his invitation, he will always fill us beyond our capacity with the joy of knowing that he walks the journey of life with us.
From those who came to him, Jesus appointed Twelve whom he also named Apostles (Mk 3:14), a word which means those who are sent. Jesus gives each of us gifts and talents which are particularly ours, but he never gives us anything solely for our own enjoyment. He always asks us to use the gifts we have received in order to go out toward others, ready to preach the good news and to do whatever he asks us to do.
Saint Mark goes on to name the twelve who were chosen and sent. I am always struck by the fact that each one of those twelve was very different from the others. Each one of them had his own history, his own story to tell, and each one of them was seen and loved by Jesus. The same is true for all of us. Each one of us has been seen and loved by Jesus. He knows us even better than we know ourselves. Despite our shortcomings, he continues to call us because he also sees what we are capable of, and he can see far beyond our own scopes to understand that what we have to offer will do its part to pave the way for his work to continue. Sometimes we are unaware of the impact that our words and actions can have on those who observe and listen to us. Only God can see that effect. He uses our humble efforts to touch the hearts of others and to continue the work of calling others to himself so that he can send them out: Apostles in their own right, sent out into the world to serve.
Have a great day.
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