Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Mark 3: 13-19

The Gospel today inspires us through the call and mission of the twelve apostles. Jesus’ invitation, which starts with a few and expands into a community, reminds us of our own call to discipleship and mission. This passage encourages us to renew our lives as followers of the Lord in this Jubilee Year.

Jesus calls his apostles for a twofold mission: to be with Him and to be sent out. This dual purpose defines our Christian vocation and identity as well. To be with Jesus involves cultivating a relationship with Him through prayer, reflection, and community. It is an invitation to ascend the mountain, as Jesus did, to encounter God intimately. The apostles’ journey to the mountain mirrors Moses’ encounter with God, urging us to prioritise our time – to walk with him, to go up the mountains of prayer and solitude.

Equally important is the mission to go out, proclaiming the Good News and standing against the powers of evil that alienate and oppress. This mission challenges us to bring hope to the poor, the marginalised, and the broken-hearted, just as Jesus and His apostles did. It reminds us that faith and action go hand in hand.

The apostles, personally handpicked by the Lord, reflect the unique and personal nature of the Lord’s call to each of us. Just as the apostles were named from a lineage rich in meaning, so too are we called by name to participate in the Mission of the Lord.

As Pilgrims of Hope, let us embrace the apostolic call: to be rooted in Christ and to bring His light to the world. Let us pray for strength to journey faithfully as a forming, missionary, and hope-filled community.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025