That they might be with him

“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.” (MK 3: 13-15)

When Our Lord “appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles,” He gave them as a first task “be with him.” All other tasks—“he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons”–were a consequence of the most important one—“be with him.” When we forget about our relationships and we are focused only on things to do, we miss something important.

“God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” (Gospel Acclamation)