20-Jan-17

Gospel MK 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.
Reflection:
Jesus chose from among His many followers twelve ordinary men to serve as Apostles.
Their job? To go into the world and preach the Good News of God's love and forgiveness of His children and to confront evil.
Among them were simple fishermen: Peter, James and John.
Matthew was a tax collector, and Simon, who was a Zealot, hoped to drive the occupying Romans from Israel by force.
It appears that as unprepared as they might have been for the task that lay ahead, they had little concern.
Did they not wonder, "How will I remember everything you have told me, Lord? How will I know what to do when confronted with evil?"
Where did these "average Joes" without any formal education get the courage and confidence to take on such a task?
Jesus had promised them an unbelievable gift: the Holy Spirt.
"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. (John 14:25-26)
Since those early days of Christianity, thousands of others have received Christ's gift of the Holy Spirit.
Ordinary men and women have found the faith and courage to do extraordinary things in the name of Jesus Christ.
When called by Christ to do His work, never be concerned whether you are up to the task He assigns you;
God does not call the qualified.
As He did with the early disciples and Apostles, Christ will qualify everyone who answers His call: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

"Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
Kindle in them the fire of your love
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created
And You shall renew the face of the earth.
- - Prayer to the Holy Spirit