The significance of Jesus Choosing His Apostles from the Mountain

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 2nd Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 3:13-19*

*FIRST READING - 1 Sm 24:3-21*

*The significance of Jesus Choosing His Apostles from the Mountain*

*1) Jesus on the Mountain*

The Gospel of the day begins with Jesus' journey to the Mountain 

*Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles*

Is there any significance in this particular process? What can we learn from this? Is there any symbolic meaning in this process

*2) Mountain in the Bible*

Mountain has a special significance in the Bible. 

In the Book of Genesis and Exodus we see many things happen in the mountain, when it comes to meet the Lord. 

Abraham was asked to go to Mount Moriah to sacrifice His Son 

God gave 10 commandments to Moses  at Mount Sinai

Prophet Elijah encountered God at Mount Carmel 

We have a beautiful teaching from the Sermon on the Mount 

Jesus was transfigured at mount Tabore 

Jesus asked His disciple to gather at Mount Horeb 

Jesus died on the mount Calvary

Now Jesus is Choosing His disciples from the mountain. 

This is because mountain has a special significance in the Bible

It is believed that God's presence is better felt in the mountain than anywhere else 

Its a place close to God and heaven 

So for these reason Jesus goes the mountain to choose His apostles 

*3) The significance of the Mountain to the Apostles life*

The very fact that the Apostle were chosen from the mountain, it also reflect the type of life which is expected from the Apostles 

Mountain is a holy place, likewise the apostles life should be holy 

Mountain is very close to God. Likewise apostles should be very close to God 

Mountain is a place of encountering God. Like wise the life of Apostles should a place of Encountering God to others 

Mountain is a place, which is higher than other places. Like wise the life of the Apostles should higher in spirituality than others 

Mountain is a place of proclamation. Likewise the life of Apostles should be a place of proclamation. 

*4) All of us have been Chosen from the Mountain*

We have been brought to the mountain of the Church altar for Baptism

We have been Chosen by our God from the mountain of the Altar through the sacrament of Baptism

Since this mountain (Church Altar) is a holy place, our life also should reflect the holiness of the Altar 

How about my Life? Is it suitable to the mountain of the Lord??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*