From the Gospel acclamation: “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (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.
Mark describes the spiritual context in which Jesus chooses the Twelve. The scene follows yesterday’s Gospel, where so many people were pressing upon Jesus that he was in danger of being crushed by the crowd. From the mountain, a place of revelation of his divine authority, Jesus entrusts to the apostles full and active participation in his mission. Just as the apostles are given a unique role in the mission of spreading the Gospel and combating evil, so are we through baptism made priests, prophets, and kings, incorporating us into the life and mission of Christ.
God, help me see how today’s Gospel unfolds. Jesus summons the Twelve from upon the mountain, appointing the apostles to call people to you through their witness of Jesus Christ your Son. In my role as priest, prophet, and king through baptism, give me the grace to fulfill these roles as part of the Body of Christ. Guide me in prayer and sacrifice as priest; strengthen me to live out my faith publicly as prophet; and, in keeping with the Catechism, consecrate me to be “a spiritual house and a holy priesthood.” Help me, Lord, grow in understanding of the freedom and responsibility that comes with baptism. Saint Francis de Sales, pray for us!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.