2nd Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, January 23, 2026

Reflection on the WORD

“Call of Apostles” – Faith: Jesus “Calls” the Twelve apostles; to serve in His Pastoral ministry. They are to learn from Him – through His Life’s Witness, Preachings and miracles. On Pentecost, He will send the Holy Spirit to enlighten and empower them to continue His Mission. Ponder on, “Do we allow the Holy Spirit to inspire us to love and serve Jesus more fully?”

Mark 3:13-19

Jesus went up onto the mountain and summoned those he wanted. So they came to him and he appointed twelve; they were to be his companions and to be sent out to proclaim the message, with power to drive out devils.

And so he appointed the Twelve, Simon to whom he gave the name Peter,

James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom he gave the name Boanerges or ‘Sons of Thunder’; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, the man who was to betray him.

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • In today’s Gospel, Jesus showed His love and intimacy towards His disciples. He personally chose twelve men to be His disciples; each with a given “pet” name.
  • While Jesus sees each person’s weaknesses and sinfulness, He also sees our potentials, goodness and gifts that He could use to proclaim His Good News of salvation.  Jesus still calls us to be his disciples.
  • We have each been singled out by Jesus in a very special and intimate way to serve in His Kingdom. Be thankful.