January 24, 2025

Mark 3:13-19

In today’s reading, Jesus appoints his twelve disciples, who are called by name, men with whom he had a heart connection, men who had shown their loyalty by following him even when it was not convenient (despite Judas’ later betrayal by relying on his own judgment rather than the Lord’s).  These men he appointed “that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” 

These men are like extensions of Jesus’ arms; he delegates to them because he himself in his human body cannot be everywhere all at once.  These are men who can travel and go out to reach people, and in turn appoint others, multiplying the benefit so that the spiritual work can spread. It has continued to multiply and spread down to this day, both within and outside of churches. 

Now Jesus still, across the centuries, can reach out to each of us to enlist our help in this work of attending to people’s spiritual needs. He calls us as his foot soldiers and recruits us as workers to convey the work of Spirit in peace and truth and justice. 

That is all for now. 

Be still.  Tune your ears like a cat turning her ears alertly towards a sound.  One need not have a strong body to listen for the Lord and listen to the Lord.  With our illnesses and imperfections, we can still be a foot soldier of Christ, in the name of peace and justice.  Now more than ever, compassion is needed.  Solidarity is needed.  Showing that we care is needed, showing that our brothers and sisters are not heartlessly abandoned.  Bearing witness is powerful, videos are powerful.  That is so.  Amen.