Please read the Scripture passage before the homily.
Jesus climbed a mountain, called the people to himself, and named twelve. He climbed, as Moses had climbed. Moses climbed Mount Sinai; Jesus’s mountain has no name, but it resembles Sinai. Jesus counted out twelve, while Moses had the twelve tribes of Israel. Eventually the Twelve will be called Apostles.
Those called have three duties. They were to be with Jesus. They were to be sent out to preach. They would have authority over demons.
Once again Jesus stands on the mountain and calls us to himself. He calls us, as he called the Twelve, and as God had called Moses. He wants us to be with him, to travel with him, to eat with him and to live with him. He wants us to go out in his name to preach to them by actions and words. He has given us power over demons.
If you have a hard time accepting this, consider your own life and calling. You have received power from God to cast out the demons of your sins and stand with confidence in the presence of God. You have grown in your companionship with God through Christ.
You have been summoned to the mountain because Jesus has wanted you to be with him. Some people are thrilled to shake hands with the President, some movie star, or some other famous person. Some are proud to have had an audience with the Pope. You have them beat because you have been summoned by Christ to be with him, to preach in his name and to have authority over demons. You are in line with those who have stood on mountains, like Moses, like Christ, and like the original twelve.