CCC 858

Jesus is the Father's Emissary. From the beginning of his ministry, he "called to him those whom he desired; .... and he appointed twelve, whom also he named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to preach."³⁶⁸ Mk 3:13-14. From then on, they would also be his "emissaries" (Greek apostoloi). In them, Christ continues his own mission: "As the Father has sent me, even so I send you."³⁶⁹ Jn 20:21; cf. Jn 13:20; Jn 17:18. The apostles' ministry is the continuation of his mission; Jesus said to the Twelve: "he who receives you receives me."³⁷⁰ Mt 10:40; cf. Lk 10:16.