“He appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him.” – Mark 3:14
A head chef hires several kitchen assistants. Most are assigned to specific stations: grill, fryer, and pantry. But one is given no fixed task. Instead, he was told simply to shadow the chef, watch every technique, taste each sauce, and learn the rhythm of the entire kitchen. His role is to absorb the chef’s craft intimately before ever handling a dish alone.
Like the assistant shadowing the chef, the apostles’ primary call was not to a task but to a person: “to be with him.” Before they were sent to preach, they were invited into the intimate rhythm of Christ’s life—to observe His heart, learn His ways, and absorb His mission. This relationship prevented their work from becoming impersonal or self-driven. David demonstrated a similar principle; he refused to seize Saul’s kingship violently, trusting instead in God’s timing (1 Sam 24:7). His authority flowed from reverence, not ambition. Today, Christ calls you first to shadow Him. Before you focus on your assigned ‘station’ in life, prioritise being in His presence. Learn His heart. Your true effectiveness and authority in mission will flow from this daily, intimate apprenticeship to the Master.
Today’s devotional-23 January, 2026 ~ www.dailyfaithechoes.org
A Journey of Reflection and Action
Set aside unhurried time today to be consciously present with Christ in prayer and Scripture, journal what you notice about His heart and ways, allow your actions to flow from relationship rather than pressure, and gently invite others to rediscover the gift of being with Him.
Join Us in Prayer
Lord Jesus, draw me into deeper communion with You; teach me to value being with You before doing for You, so that my life and service may flow from love, humility, and faithful apprenticeship to You, Amen.
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Scripture Footnote & Further Reading
The Scripture is adapted from the Catholic Daily Readings of the day.
First Reading: 1 Samuel 24:3-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 57:2, 3-4, 6 & 11
Response: My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast.
Second Reading: None (weekday Mass has no second reading assigned)
Alleluia (Gospel Acclamation): John 15:16 — Alleluia, alleluia. I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last. Alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 3:13-19
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