Choose carefully

Gospel MK 3:13-19

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.

Jesus was thinking ahead.  He knew that his time as a man among men and women was limited - that at some point (did he know exactly when?) he would be offered up as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  He knew that he would need some help and appointed the 12 Apostles.  I think the word "appointed" is meaningful.  He didn't ask for volunteers, he chose the Apostles, flawed men just like you and me, who likely had no idea what they were getting themselves into.  He surrounded himself with trusted friends and spent just enough time with them to "coach them up" so that they could build the early Church.  I am grateful for the people in my life that support and believe in me.  Some were are family - Marie and the boys, my mom, my brother (rest in peace!).  Some were chosen:  Pat & Sharmila, Melanie and Russell at church, Steve Mullin.  I am at my best when I chose deliberately, carefully, the people in my life.