Daily Catholic Lectio. Fri, 24 January ’25. To be with him!

Daily Catholic Lectio

Fri, 24 January ‘25

Second Week in Ordinary Time – Friday

Hebrews 8:6-13. Psalm 85. Mark 3:13-19

To be with him!

Jesus, knowing that no one makes it alone, chooses twelve apostles for His mission.

Mark defines this event with three key actions: “He went up the mountain,” “He called to Him those He wanted,” and “He named them.”

“He went up the mountain” signifies Jesus’ time in prayer. In biblical symbolism, ascending a mountain offers a broader perspective—one can see everything clearly.

Jesus “called to Him those He wanted.” This calling is not based on individual merit or qualification but solely on the will of God.

By naming them apostles, Jesus affirms His authority over them and reveals the mission entrusted to them.

The two dimensions of apostleship—“to be with Him” and “to be sent out”—are like two sides of the same coin. Both are essential for the mission.

The selection of the apostles is an initiative of Jesus Himself.

What does it mean “to be with Him”? It is to deny oneself and focus entirely on Him.

In today’s first reading, the author speaks of God leading the ancestors of Israel by holding their hand. Because of God’s abiding presence with us, we too can remain close to Him.

St. Francis de Sales

This saint reminds us holiness is what God desires for us. Holiness is about being rooted in God and opening ourselves to those around us in love.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy