The Rationale behind the choice of 12 Apostles

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Second Week :  Friday*

*Gospel :  Mark 3:13-19*

*First Reading : 1 Samuel 24: 2-20*

*Responsorial Psalm : 57:2-11*

*The Rationale behind the choice of 12 Apostles*

*1) Why Did Jesus Choose Apostles?*

Jesus did not choose the Twelve simply to help Him practically; their calling was deeply theological and symbolic. Main purposes:

*A) To be with Him* : “He appointed twelve, that they might be with him and that he might send them out” (Mark 3:14). Before doing anything, they were called into relationship.

*B) To share in His mission* : They were sent to:

Proclaim the Kingdom of God

Heal the sick

Cast out demons

Continue His work after His resurrection

*C) To be witnesses* : The apostles were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, forming the foundation of the Church (Acts 1:21–22).

*D) To form a new people of God* : Jesus was not only preaching personal salvation; He was reconstituting Israel around Himself.

*2) Why the Number Twelve?* 

The number twelve is highly symbolic and intentional.

*A) Connection to the Twelve Tribes of Israel*

Israel was formed from twelve tribes, descended from the sons of Jacob.

By choosing twelve apostles, Jesus signals that:

He is renewing Israel

He is fulfilling God’s covenant promises

A new covenant community is being formed

“You who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28).

*B) Symbol of fullness and God’s order* : In biblical symbolism, twelve represents completeness in God’s plan (e.g., twelve tribes, twelve stones, twelve gates in Revelation).

*C) A Messianic sign* : Many Jews expected the Messiah to restore the twelve tribes. Jesus’ choice of twelve apostles is a clear messianic claim, even if subtle.

*3) What Criteria Did Jesus Use to Choose the Twelve?*

Surprisingly, Jesus did not choose based on human standards.

*A) Not based on education or social status* : Fishermen, a tax collector, political zealots. No scribes, priests, or religious elites

*B) Not based on moral perfection* : Peter would deny Him, Thomas would doubt, Judas would betray Him

*C) Based on divine calling, not merit* : “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16).

Jesus chose: Ordinary people, With weaknesses, Who were willing (even imperfectly) to follow

*D) Availability and openness* : They left nets, jobs, and security to follow Him. The key qualification was willingness to respond.

*4) How Should We Understand This Choice?* 

*A) God works through imperfect people* 

The Twelve remind us that: 

God does not wait for perfection

Transformation comes after the call, not before it

*B) The Church is apostolic* : The apostles are the foundation of the Church (Ephesians 2:20). Their teaching, witness, and mission continue through the Church today.

*C) Discipleship precedes mission* : Before being sent, the apostles had to:

Walk with Jesus, Listen to Him, Be shaped by Him

This challenges modern Christianity to prioritize formation over activity.

*5) Practical Points to Ponder* 

*A) Jesus still calls today* : The call of the Twelve reminds us that discipleship is not limited to a select few. Every Christian is called to follow, witness, and serve.

*B) Weakness is not an obstacle to grace* : If Jesus could build His Church on fishermen and doubters, He can work through our limitations too.

*C) Community matters* : Jesus did not choose one leader only; He formed a community of twelve. Faith is meant to be lived together, not in isolation.

*D) God’s plans are deeply rooted in history* : The choice of twelve shows that Christianity is not accidental—it is the fulfillment of a long, unfolding divine story.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*