Today’s Gospel is the calling of the Twelve Apostles. It’s basically a list of names.
In fact, the only things that stand out at all are the comments. The little bits of information that St. Mark sticks into the list.
“Simon, whom He named Peter.”
Jesus calls this guy “The Rock.” At this point, he’s more like the king of over-promising and under-delivering than he is the Prince of the Apostles. This is more like a dig at the man that would become Peter than a prophecy.
“James and John…whom he named Boanerges.”
“Boanerges?” It means “sons of thunder.” It’s a polite way of saying that these two were a couple of hot heads.
“Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him.”
Jesus knew exactly who they were. He knew their weaknesses. He everything that was wrong with them. Everything that they would do wrong. Even the one who would betray Him.
Jesus knew exactly who He was dealing with.
Jesus chose each one of them by name.
Jesus knew who He had made each one of them to be. Jesus knew who they could become, if they wanted to. Even the one who would reject it.
And Jesus still chose each one of them by name.
The thing is, this isn’t a one-shot, something special Jesus did just for the Apostles.
It’s just how Jesus does things.
And it’s something to keep in mind, the next time you think you’re not good enough.
The next time you think that there’s something you’ve done, or someone you’ve become, that’s taken you where the grace and mercy of God can’t go.
Jesus knows all that about you. Even the stuff you don’t want to admit to yourself.
And Jesus still chose you by name.
