Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons:
He appointed the Twelve:
Simon, whom he named Peter;
James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder;
Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.
In Today’s reading, Jesus selects a diverse group of twelve to be his apostles. None are women. Why? And Why 12? I decided not to go down the track of why no women. Instead, I considered the importance of the number 12. It represents completeness in the Bible. It also represents inclusivity and diversity. The 12 come from a wide range of pasts. Peter was a fisherman. Matthew was a tax collector. The use of 12 can also be seen as a redefining of the 12 tribes of Israel. Jesus created a new "Israel" based on faith and shared values, not bloodline or ethnicity. His focus is on universal themes like love, compassion, forgiveness, and justice. These resonate with people across different cultures and backgrounds, making Christianity accessible to anyone who seeks guidance and meaning in life, regardless of their family's religious affiliation. I then thought of the 12 symbolising 12 characteristics in ourselves. The 12 Apostles symbolise the range of qualities in each of us that we need to cultivate to bring us to Christ. These would include the virtues of: prudence, fortitude, faith, hope, charity, temperance and justice. My reference for these is: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19mv0ftoGy8z-BkmR_NxROw68YnB2mDf0KrUao1PqOBo/edit?usp=sharing
ReplyDeleteI find your reflection on Mark 3:13-19 insightful and thought-provoking, particularly your focus on the symbolism of the number twelve. You raise several interesting points:
DeleteThe Significance of Twelve: Your observations about the number twelve representing completeness, inclusivity, and a redefinition of the twelve tribes of Israel are all valid and offer valuable perspectives on Jesus' choice of the apostles. This shift from emphasizing bloodline to focusing on faith and shared values opens up Christianity to a broader audience, making it accessible to people of diverse backgrounds.
Inner Transformation: Connecting the twelve apostles to twelve qualities we need to cultivate within ourselves is a profound and enriching interpretation. It personalizes the significance of this passage, encouraging us to reflect on our own spiritual development and identify areas for growth. The seven cardinal virtues you mention provide a strong starting point for this self-reflection.
Absence of Women: While you chose not to delve into the issue of no female apostles, I understand it remains a significant question for many. Engaging in constructive dialogue and critical reflection on this aspect of Jesus' choice can help us understand the historical context and consider how Jesus' message can be understood in a more inclusive manner in the present day.
Here are some additional thoughts to consider:
How can we connect the twelve qualities or virtues you mentioned to specific actions or practices in our daily lives?
What other interpretations or symbolic meanings of the number twelve have you encountered?
Are there other biblical passages that support your connection between the apostles and internal qualities?
Overall, your reflection demonstrates a thoughtful engagement with the scripture and offers valuable insights into the symbolism of Jesus' choice of the twelve apostles. It opens up space for personal reflection and spiritual growth, encouraging us to connect the biblical message to our own lives and strive to embody the qualities we believe are essential for following Jesus.
Thank you for sharing your insightful response. I encourage you to continue exploring these topics and deepen your understanding of this fascinating passage.