NOTES for Luk 6:12-19
Before choosing the twelve apostles from the large crowd that followed Him, Jesus went up a mountain to pray. Judging by the fact that He spent the whole night there, this was a very serious and momentous decision. He endowed these people, whom the Evangelist lists by name, with special grace, because it was they who were to lay the foundation of the future Church.
By listing these names, Luke makes us recall what we already know about them. They are not abstract characters, but very real fishermen, tax collectors, uneducated simple men, learned men... It then becomes clear that their election and special status are not due to any merit of their own, but solely to the will of God. The Lord appointed them to this ministry and intended to act through them Himself.
At times, we feel indignant and wonder why a particular person suddenly turns out to be chosen by God, even though by earthly standards he may not seem to deserve it very much. But if we remember how the Lord built His Church, acting according to His divine logic rather than human understanding, much can be accepted.