A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark
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.
In today’s Gospel reading, Mark describes a mountaintop moment: as Jesus appoints the Twelve, he sends them to preach the Gospel and gives them authority to drive out demons. Later in each of the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus again goes up the mountain, this time taking Peter, James, and John with him as witnesses of the Transfiguration. As Mark describes Jesus’ ascent to the mountain, the words “summoned those whom he wanted” brings to my mind being picked—or not picked—to be a teammate. If Jesus summoned me, would I do as the other Apostles did and go to him? Every day God presents a fresh opportunity to be summoned by God, to open my hands to what he entrusts me with. It might not be to high places like a mountaintop; nonetheless, God appoints me and sends me forth with his authority to do his will in word and deed.
Help me understand, Lord, the core of today’s Gospel presented in the Gospel acclamation: “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” Here you are, Jesus, inviting me to be with you as you invited the Twelve to accompany you. Humbled by this, I ask for the grace to understand the gift I have in freely choosing to accept your invitation.
Lord, guide me today from on high to animate the mission and authority you give me. Too often I subject myself to my own limits and situational constraints; instead, let your presence transfigure me so that I can accomplish the tasks you appoint to me. Be with me, Lord!
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.