The Significance of the Mountain, in Choosing the Apostle

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 2nd Week: Friday*

*Gospel :  - Mk 3:13-19*

*First Reading : 1 Sm 24:3-21*

*The Significance of the Mountain, in Choosing the Apostle*

*1) Jesus went up to mountain*

The Markan Gospel makes it very clear that, Jesus went up to Mountain

*Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.*

In this context let's analyze the importance of the Mountain in choosing the Apostles. 

*2) Significance of the Mountain*

In the Scriptures, God and mountain are closely related with each other 

In fact many of the things starts from the mountain

Abraham was asked to go to mount Moriah to sacrifice his son 

God gave 10 commandments to Moses at Mount Sinai

God came down and gave His divine experience to Moses in the mountain

Prophet Elijah experienced God, at mount Carmel 

Jesus was transfigured at mount Tabor 

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray 

Jesus died on Mount Calvary 

Jesus went up to heaven from Mount Horeb 

So mountain has close connection with God 

*3) Divine experience in the Mountain*

Mountain is considered as the dwelling place of God 

Mountain is a place of communicating God's message to the people 

Mountain is a place, which is near to God 

Mountain is a place where Jesus spent his time in prayer

Mountain is a place of meeting God 

Mountain helps us to experience God 

*4) Call of His apostles from the Mountain*

The Gospel of the day gives us an impression that, Jesus chooses his Apostles after he went up to heaven 

Prior to this, Jesus had spent the whole night in prayer in the mountain, to choose His disciples

So there is close connection between the mountain and Choosing of the Apostles

*5) Various lessons from this Gesture*

Going up to the mountain by Jesus and then by the disciples, shows where they should focus thier attention and their direction of the mission 

Mountain significes the presence of God, place of prayer and experience of God. The apostles life and mission should be guided by these divine Value

Mountain always shows up word movement. Likewise the Apostles should show up word movement, it means growth in everything, for example, prayer, relationship, mission etc 

Mountain also signifies the closeness to God. Apostles should remain close to Jesus 

*6) Mountain in my Life*

Every day Jesus calls us to the divine mountain, that is the Holy Place, to the house of God - The Church 

What is my attitude to come to this mountain? 

How familiar  I am about this mountain? 

What is the significance of this mountain to my life??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*