Friday January 23rd: Sent forth in His Name

“…they were to be his companions and to be sent out to proclaim the message…”

Mark 3:13–19

In today’s gospel Jesus went up into the hills and summoned those he wanted. Before there is any mission, any authority, or any title, there is simply this: they are called to be with Jesus. This is not incidental; it is essential. Discipleship begins with relationship. To be with Jesus, to listen, to watch, to learn his heart, and to be shaped by his way of loving.

Only after this did Jesus appoint them apostles. The word “apostle” means one who is sent, but they could not be sent until they have first remained. Their authority does not come from skill or status, but from intimacy with Christ. Being with him forms them into people capable of carrying his message and sharing in his power.

This order matters for us as well. We are often eager to do, to serve, to speak. But the gospel reminds us that fruitfulness flows from closeness. We are called first to be with Jesus, so that when we are sent, we go not in our own name, but in His.