ACC ~ Mark 5 v37

WHY ONLY THREE?

JEROME: Someone may wonder or ask: Why are these three apostles always chosen and the others sent away? Even when he was transfigured on the mountain, these three were with him. [1] Yes, these three were chosen: Peter, James and John. But why only three? First there is the mystery of the Trinity embedded in this number, a number sacred in itself. Second, according to Moses, Jacob set three peeled branches in the watering troughs. [2] Finally, it is written: “A three-ply cord is not easily broken.” [3] Peter is chosen as one upon whom the church would be built. [4] James is the first of the apostles to be crowned with martyrdom. [5] John is the beloved disciple [6] whose love prefigures the state of virginity. HOMILY 77. [7]

[1] Cf. Mt 17:1-3; Mk 9:2-4; Lk 9:28-30.

[2] Gen 30:38; to stimulate the animals to reproductive activity.

[3] Eccles 4:12.

[4] Cf. Mt 16:18.

[5] Cf. Acts 12:2.

[6] The beloved disciple, whose love anticipates the tradition of sexual chastity in apostolic ministry. Cf. Jn 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20.

[7] Cetedoc 0594, 3.31; FC 57:149*. Within this inner circle we find the prefiguring of the apostolate, of martyrdom and of purity of heart.