The Men who turned the World upside down

Transcription

1 The Men who turned the World upside down Christmas 2013 New Year 2014

2 The Men who turned the World upside down Down the ages, great masters and thinkers had followers who faithfully trod the footsteps of their teacher. When the followers walked in the shadow of the Master s spiritual realm, they were called disciples. A disciple sat daily at the feet of the Master resulting in a teacher-student relationship between them. (John 1:35, Matt. 22:16, Acts 9:25). Jesus had many such disciples, from whom He formed an inner Core Group of Twelve, consisting of men specially chosen by Him, to carry on His mission and called them Apostles. While the disciple is a learner or a pupil, the Apostle is a delegate, a messenger one who is sent forth with orders. Disciples are called; Apostles are sent. Hence, all the Apostles were disciples but not all disciples are Apostles. All the Apostles were explicitly chosen by Christ Himself (John 6:70 and Acts 1:2) or by the Apostles themselves as a group (Matthias). These are the twelve He appointed: Simon (to whom He gave the name Peter), James, son of Zebedee and his brother John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot. (Mark 3:16-18). The title Apostle originally extended beyond this core group, but was later restricted to the twelve. The word Apostle is synonymous with Twelve, especially for evangelist Luke, though he speaks about 70/72 disciples sent out with a mission similar to that of the Twelve (Lk 10:1-12). In Mark 6:30, the twelve are clearly referred to as Apostles. However, in Mat. 10:1-5, we notice the interchangeability of the terms disciples and Apostles. The term Apostle was used among Athenians to designate the Admiral of the fleet who would be commissioned and sent out with authority. Similarly, these men (the chosen 12) were sent out with the authority of Jesus. The central text of the calling of the Apostles is Mark 3: Jesus went up to the Mountain, and called to Him those whom He desired, and they came to Him, He appointed twelve designating them Apostles-that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out the evil. (Mk. 3:14). Luke tells us that Jesus went out to the mountain to pray and continued to pray all night to God. When it was day, He called the disciples and chose twelve of them whom He named apostles. (Lk. 6:12). The calling of the disciples/apostles is a prayerful event they were begotten in prayer in intimacy with the Father. Their selection was based on the Son s dialogue with the Father and they were anchored to God. Without anchoring in God, the person of Jesus remains shadowy, unreal and unexplainable (Pope Benedict XVI). Thus, the Apostles were anchored to God through Jesus to carry out His mission. The first and the foremost task of the Apostles was to preach to be evangelists like Jesus and to announce the Kingdom of God. By their preaching, they were to lead their listeners to encounter Jesus. When the twelve were initially called, the group was quite heterogeneous and full of human elements. Their occupation ranged from fishermen to tax collectors and revolutionaries. They were inquisitive, doubtful, skeptical, confused, resentful, ambitious, short tempered, impulsive, fearful, sluggish and judgmental. All of them except John deserted Jesus during His arrest and crucifixion. Jesus knew that these men would disappoint Him, desert Him, deny Him and betray Him. But Jesus also knew that after His death and resurrection, once filled with the Holy Spirit, these men specially designated by Him, will become fishers of men and turn the world upside down with their love, courage, fearlessness, honesty and commitment!

3 The very first words that the Master spoke to them were Come, Follow Me and finally as he bid adieu to them, we hear Him say Go and make disciples of all Nations. (Matthew 28:18-20). It is only after the Resurrection and the coming of the Spirit, the Apostles were in real action! Their anchoring to God is revealed through their fearless and courageous proclamation of Christ and His word to the ends of the earth! It is surprising to note how the Apostles travelled far, covering long distances some 20 centuries ago to proclaim the good news with the little communication and travel facilities available then. They crossed countries, oceans, barriers and overcame numerous hurdles to preach the word of God. This Mission of the Apostles did not stop with them it has taken a ripple effect cascading for the last 2000 years and more. In the pursuit of their Mission, the Apostles were bought before Kings and Judges. They were ordered not to preach the good news nor proclaim the Risen Lord. They were tortured, persecuted, banished No force on earth could stop them from preaching the good news. They embraced death for the love of their Lord and Master who called them and commissioned them as His disciples/apostles. Eight Apostles are believed to be buried in Rome. Bartholomew, in the Church so named, on the Tiber Island; James the Less, in the Church of Sts. Philip and James; Jude, Matthias, Philip and Peter in St. Peter s; Simon, near Naples; Paul in St. Paul s Outside The Walls; Andrew in Amalfi, Matthew in Salerno and Thomas in Santhome (Mylapore) and Ortona; John in Ephesus; James the Greater, in Santiago de Compostella in Spain. In the New Testament after the death and resurrection of Jesus, the term disciple was replaced by the word Christian to denote a follower of Christ (Acts: 11:26). Any person with goodwill and courage to speak the truth, irrespective of his religion, caste, language, colour and sex is a modern Apostle. He/ she can become an effective Apostle of Peace, Justice, Equity and Joy to the world. As we go through the fascinating lives and deeds of the Apostles, let us resolve to make this world the nucleus of His Kingdom, following the examples of these 13 valiant men, the Apostles of Christ, especially after the U-turn in their lives. The life of every Apostle is a beautiful message in itself. Every month is allotted to an Apostle based on their actual feast day except for Philip, James the Less and James the Great. In the case of Paul, we have allotted January instead of clubbing it with Peter in June. This year, for the daily reflections, we have collected 365 promises of God extracted from important Biblical verses. Through these reflections, we are invited or rather challenged to walk the footsteps of these extraordinary men chosen by Jesus to carry out the most daring task ever entrusted to a small team of men along with Paul who started as one of Christianity s most zealous enemies. The Apostles literally followed the promise and command of the Lord becoming true fishers of men and His most eloquent messengers. They endured till the very end as St. Paul would say who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:35,37 and 38)

4 Spititus Gladius Apostle Paul Apostle Paul, who started as one of Christianity s most zealous enemies, was uniquely (almost dramatically) chosen by Jesus after His Resurrection, to become the Gospel s Most Ardent Messenger. Apart from the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the Conversion to Christianity of Saul of Tarsus (Paul) in Damascus occupy a very prominent place in human history. If Saul had remained a Jewish Rabbi, we would be missing thirteen of the twenty-seven books of New Testament and Christianity s initial spread. He travelled tirelessly through the ancient world, taking the message of Salvation to the Gentiles. Paul s epistles are some of the earliestwritten books of the New Testament and his letters to early Churches form the foundation of Christian Theology. Saul was his Jewish Name. He was also known as Paul the Apostle, Apostle Paul and Paul of Tarsus, though, he preferred to call himself Apostle to the Gentiles. He was born between A.D. 5 and 10 at Tarsus in Cilicia (South ern Turkey) from Jewish parents. He was a Pharisee, tent maker and Scripture writer. One of the earliest Christian missionaries, along with Saints Peter and James the Just, he was a diaspora Jew and was a student of the great Rabbi Gamaliel I in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3). Paul had a brilliant mind, was well versed in philosophy and religion and could debate with the most educated scholars of his day. Though tradition portrays Paul as a physically small man, he endured enormous physical hardships on his mis sionary journeys. His perseverance in the face of danger and persecution has inspired countless missionaries to this day. death He had three missionary trips throughout Asia minor. His final trip to Rome was his last he was ar rested and acquitted. Later, he was arrested again and beheaded in Rome during the reign of emperor Nero about A.D The place of his martyrdom is now called Trefontane. His body is buried where the Church of St. Paul s Outside The Walls stands. apostolic symbol Paul is represented by an open Bible (the new Law he preached) and the sword. Paul spoke of the Word of God as the Sword of the Spirit. feast day June 29 patronage Patron of London, Authors, Press, Publishers and Writers life s lessons to learn from apostle paul God can change anyone I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13) For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12:2) For it is by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Eph 2:8) key verses Rom 5:1; Gal 6:7-10 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Tim 4:7

5 Apostle Philip Philip was one of the first followers of Jesus Christ, and he wasted no time calling others, like Nathanael, to do the same. He is mentioned as one of the Apostles in the lists of Mat thew, Mark, Luke, and in Acts. Though these Gospels record his name (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13), it is in the Gospel of John that Philip becomes a living personality. Philip was a Galilean from Bethsaida, Palestine. His name derived from Greek means he who loves horses and he probably spoke Greek. Little is known about him and his early life, but scriptural episodes give the impression of a shy, naive person, who was practical (John 6:7), helpful (John 12:20-21), had a warm heart but a pessimistic head. He liked to help others but did not know how to help. He was simple and generous. He was well versed in Scriptures (John 1:45-46) and had a questioning attitude. Though lettered he was confused (John 14:8). He was the third disciple to whom Jesus addressed a personal call with the words Follow Me (John 1:43). Leaving behind his old life, Philip answered the call and fervently sought the Messiah. He recognized that Jesus was the promised Saviour, even though he did not fully understand that until after Jesus Resurrection. Philip brought Nathaniel (Bartholomew), his brother to Jesus (John 1:45-46). When Philip met Christ, he immediately found Nathanael sitting under a fig tree and told him We have found him Though Nathanael was skeptical, Philip did not argue but simply answered, Come and see. In John 14:8 9, Philip asked Jesus to reveal the Father, receiving the answer, Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father. In the miracle, feeding the 5000, Jesus tested Philip by asking him where they could buy bread for so many people but offered a boy s lunch. Philip replied that eight months wages would not be enough to buy each person one bite (John 6:5 7). Yet, Jesus did not rebuke him for his lack of faith. He led the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ (Acts 8:26). He also stayed with Paul in Ceasarea (Acts 21:8) and was one of the major figures in the missionary enterprise of the early Church. tradition says that Philip preached in Phrygia, Asia Minor and Greece and also suggests that Philip lived and preached in Seythia (today in Ukraine). Some scholars speculate that Philip was first a disciple of John the Baptist. death Philip died a martyr in A.D 80 at Hierapolis, Phrygia (present day Turkey). It is believed he was martyred by crucifixion or the spear or bound to a cross and stoned to death. It is also said that he was martyred by hanging and that he requested his body to be wrapped not in linen but in papyrus. For he believed that he was not worthy to have even his dead body treated in the same manner as the body of Jesus had been treated. apostolic symbol includes the loaves, fish and a tall cross (Mark 6:41) as Philip was present at the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:4-14); the basket is also a symbol of Philip. feast day May 3. patronage Patron Saint of Uruguay. apostle philip All the knowledge in the world does not compare to the truth found in Jesus. Eternal life in Christ is available to anyone who desires it. God uses our questions to teach us. KEY VERSES John 1:45; John 6:5-7 Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us (John 14:8-9)

6 Apostle James the Less James, one of the most obscure apostles in the Bible, known as James the Less, lived in Galilee. He was son of Alphaeus, or Cleophas and Mary; brother of Apostle Jude Thaddeus and cousin of Jesus. He was also known as Jacobus Minor, James the Alpheus, James the Younger or James the Just. He is often confused with James, who wrote the Book of James or with James the brother of John. James is named in each listing of the 12 disciples, always appearing ninth in order. He is also identified in Mark 2:14 as son of Alphaeus and brother of Matthew, the tax collector (Mark 2:14; 3:18); He belonged to a Revolutionary Group known as zealots. True to his name James the Less, his accomplishments remain unknown to us today as he may simply have been overshadowed by the more prominent Apostles. But being named among the twelve is by itself an achievement. He was the first Bishop of Jerusalem. Apostle James the Less James was personally called by Jesus Christ to be a disciple. He was present with the 11 apostles in the upper room of Jerusalem after Christ ascended to Heaven. St. Paul tells us he was a witness of the Resurrection of Christ. He was one of the first to have visions of the Risen Christ (1 Cor. 15:7). tradition & death Tradition tells us that he died as a martyr and his body was sawed to pieces. It is also believed that he was martyred in A.D. 62 at Jerusalem by being thrown from patronage Patron Saint of Fullers and Pharmacists a pinnacle of the Temple, then stoned and beaten with clubs, including fuller s apostle james the less mallets, while praying for his attackers. James the Less did not seek recognition apostolic symbol The saw or fame, for he received no glory or became his apostolic symbol, since his body was sawed in pieces. feast day May 3 credit for his commitment to Christ. So we too can learn from him that all of us can still accomplish great work for God without being in the limelight. key verses Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory (Ps 115:1).

7 James the son of Zebedee, often called James the Great, was the son of Zebedee and Salome (Matt.27-56; Mark 16:1) and lived in Bethsaida, Capernaum and Jerusalem. His name never appears without his brother John and they formed an inseparable pair (Mark 1:19-20; Mathew 4:21; Luke 5:1-11). He was a fisherman like his father and brother John (Matt.4:18-22) and a partner with Peter (Luke 5:10). Before he became a disciple of Jesus Christ, James was a disciple of John the Baptist. James was a man of extraordinary faith a loyal disciple of Jesus and committed till the end of his life (Acts 12:2) and was one of the pillars of the Church whom St. Paul consulted about the Gospel (Gal 2:9). He was ambitious and fiery (Luke 9:54) but he was a man of courage and forgiveness a man without jealousy living in the shadow of John. Short tempered and judgmental (Mark 10:35-37), James could be rash and unthinking. James was called to be a fisher of The First Apostle to Die for Jesus Apostle James the Great men (Mat 4:19); he left everything to follow Jesus (Lk 5:11). James, was a member of Jesus Christ s inner circle, which included his brother, the Apostle John, and Peter. (Mark 5:37; 9:2; 13:3; 14:33). Jesus named him and his brother John, Boanerges or Sons of Thunder (Mark 3:17) because he wanted to call the fire down to destroy a Samaritan village which rejected Jesus. He was privileged to be at the front and centre of three supernatural events in the life of Christ namely, the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8), the Rais ing of Jairus daughter and the Agony in the Garden (Mat. 26:36-37). The mother of James and John overstepped her bounds, asking Jesus to grant her sons special positions in His Kingdom. tradition has that James preached the Gospel in Samaria and Judea and also in Spain. He was the first Bishop of Spain. death James was the first of the twelve to be martyred for his faith in Jesus. He was stabbed with a sword by King Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem in the year A.D. 44 Apostle James is the only one of the 12 disciples whose martyrdom for faith is recorded in the Scriptures (Acts 12:1-2). apostolic symbol 3 shells the sign of pilgrimage by sea; symbols often include the bishop s hat and the sword of martyrdom. feast day July 25 patronage Patron Saint of Pilgrims, Chemists and Spain. According to Spanish legend, Saint James the Great appeared as a warrior on his white horse with a white banner to help Christian armies of King Ramiro I in battle against the Moors. They won and James became known as Matamoros and to this day he is Spain s patron saint. apostle james the great Stand firm in the face of persecution and even death. Following Jesus Christ can lead to hardship and persecution, but the reward is eternal life with Him in Heaven. key verses Lk. 9:52-56; Mat. 17:1-3

8 Apostle Matthias Matthias was one of the 72 disciples of Our Lord. He was a follower of Jesus from the very beginning of the Lord s public ministry. He was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot in the College of the Twelve Apostles. They cast lots in order to discover God s will and Matthias was chosen. He was the twelfth apostle and the group was whole again as they waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Greek Matthias (or, in some manuscripts, Maththias), is a name derived from Mattathias Hebrew Mattithiah, signifying Gift of Yahweh. He was born in Bethlehem of the Tribe of Judah and was baptized by John the Baptist in 1st cen tury AD in Judea (modern day Israel). From his early childhood he studied the Law of God. He is remembered for preaching the need for mortification of the flesh with regard to all its sen sual and irregular desires. Matthias loved Christ and followed the many journeys and miracles that the Lord per formed. Jesus chose Matthias to be one of his seventy disciples, seeing his purity of soul and zeal for the Lord s work. He was a witness to the Lord s Resurrection. tradition According to a Greek tradition, he preached the Gospel in Cappadocia and in regions bordering the Caspian Sea. Ethiopia, where he was stoned, and then beheaded in A.D. 80. Some relics are in the abatical Church of Trier, Germany, others in Saint Mary Major in Rome, Italy. apostolic symbol Apostolic symbol for Matthias is a battle-axe, the weapon with which he was said to have been beheaded and an open Bible. Sometimes he is also represented by the lance as according to another tradition, Apostle Matthias was martyred in southern Asia with a lance. feast day May 14 patronage Patron of Carpenters, Tailors, Alcoholism and Small Pox. apostle matthias Follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Let us ask St. Matthias to intercede for us and give us loyalty, honesty, detachment and equilibrium in the face of sufferings and pleasures of life. The following sentence is attributed to the Apostle: We must combat the flesh, taking what advantages we can without giving it blameworthy de lights. Regarding the soul, we should develop it through intelligence and faith. St. Matthias. He preached the Gospel for 30 years in Judea, Cappadocia, Egypt and Ethiopia. death Tradition tells us he suffered martyrdom at Colchis, in present day

9 Peter, whose name is first in the list of the disciples stands out in the Gospels as a spokesman for the twelve. Simon Peter, son of Jonas, was born in Bethsaida (John 1:42-43) and lived in Capernaum (Matt.8:5-14). He was the brother of Andrew (Matt. 4:18) and was married (Matt 8:14). His true name was Simon, but was renamed by Jesus as Simon Cephas, an Aramaic word meaning rock. The Greek word for rock, Petros, became the apostle s new name. Peter would be the rock-like foundation on which the Church would be built. He was a fisherman and partner with James and John (Luke 5:10). Simon Peter was a man of great fear and doubt. He was impulsive (Matt. 14:28) yet cowardly (Matt. 14:30; 26:69-74); hot tempered (John 18:10) yet tender-hearted (Matt. 26:75); insightful (Matt.16:16) yet dense (Matt. 16:21-23). One minute he was walking on water by faith, and the next he was sinking in doubts. Impulsive and emotional, Peter is best known for denying Jesus when the pressure was on. Even so, as a disciple he was dearly loved by Christ, holding a special place among the twelve. Being a fiercely loyal man Peter left his occupation to follow Jesus, learning from Him about the Kingdom of Heaven. After the resurrection of Christ, Peter became a bold evangelist, a miracle worker and a zealous Apostle Peter missionary (Acts 5:27-30). Recognized as one of the greatest leaders of the early Church, he was Bishop of Antioch and later Bishop of Rome and thus became the First Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Peter was called to be a fisher of men (Matt 4:19) and was one of the 3 core disciples given the unique privilege of experiencing the transfiguration, along with a few other extraordinary revelations of Jesus (Mark 9:2-8; Matt 17:1-9; Matt. 26:34-46). Peter correctly identified Jesus as the Messiah, not through his own knowledge but by the enlight enment of the Holy Spirit (Matt.16:13-20; Mark 8/27-30; Luke 9:18-21). Peter was sent to prepare the Last Supper (Luke 22:8). Later, he was reprimanded because of his refusal to accept Jesus death (Matt. 16:23). Jesus predicted Peter would deny Him 3 times (Luke 22:31-34). Jesus instructed Peter after His resurrection (John 21:14-19). tradition says that persecution of the first Christians in Jerusalem led Peter to Rome and he spread the gospel to the fledgling Church there. He baptized Gentiles. Peter is considered as the eyewitness source for the Gospel of Mark with Mark serving as Peter s scribe based on Peter s testimony. He penned two Epistles named after him 1 Peter and 2 Peter. death Passionate until the end, historians record that when Peter was sentenced to death by crucifixion, he requested that his head be turned toward the ground because he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as his Saviour. Peter met his death in Rome under the reign of Nero about A.D His grave is under the basement of St. Peter s Basilica in Rome. apostolic symbol His apostolic symbol is a cross upside down with crossed keys. The keys rep resent Peter as holder of the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven (Mat: 16:18-19) feast day June 29 patronage Patron of fishermen and Popes. apostle peter Without question, Peter is one of the most prominent characters in the Gospels, a disciple most of us can identify with. We can accomplish great things when we put our faith in God instead of ourselves. When we forget that God is in control, we falter at times but when we return to Jesus, He forgives us and strengthens our faith. Every offense, however great is forgiven by God. God can forgive sins, even such a terrible sin as denying Jesus. key verses Acts 10:34-35; 1 Peter 4:16; Luke 22: Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

10 Apostle Thomas Thomas was one of Jesus 12 apostles, specially chosen to spread the gospel after the Lord s Crucifixion and Resurrection. Thomas was his Hebrew name. Thomas has two names in the New Testament. Thomas, in Greek, and Didymus, in Aramaic, both meaning twin. Scripture does not give the name of his twin. He is also known as Judas Thomas; Apostle of India. The nickname Doubting Thomas was given to this disciple be cause of his disbelief about the resurrection. Some say that Thomas was a carpenter. After Jesus ascension, he preached in Parthia, Persia and India. He formed many parishes and built many Churches along the way. He was Inquisitive (John 14:5); Doubtful (John 20:24-25); Courageous (John 11:26) and Faithful (John 20:24-29). christ When Jesus life was at risk after Lazarus had died, Apostle Thomas courageously told his fellow apostles to go to Bethany with Jesus and die with Him (John 11:16). Doubted Jesus resurrection saying he would have to touch His wounds in order to believe (John 20:25) Witnessed the great catch of fish and ate breakfast with Jesus after His resurrection (John 21:2-7) st. thomas in india Syrian Christians of Kerala believe that their forefathers were converts of St. Thomas, the Apostle. According to this tradition St. Thomas landed in KODUNGALLUR (Crangnore) in Kerala around the middle of the 1st century (A.D. 52) and founded 7 Churches. Then he travelled to the East as far as China and returned. He travelled again to the Southern parts of India and was killed at St. Thomas Mount pierced by a lance in A.D. 72. His body was taken to Mylapore by Brig. Mahadevan and his son Vijayan and was buried there. A small Oratory was built at St. Thomas Mount on the spot of his martyrdom in 1523 by Mr. Deigo Fernandez. The present Church there was built in It suffered damages during Hyder Ali s invasion. The bleeding cross of St. Thomas was discovered while digging the foundation of the Church in It was sweating blood from 1551 to 1704 always on 18th December. The other sacred place associated with St. Thomas is Little Mount at Chennai. The Saint used to hide and pray in a cave, where his footprints can still be seen. The tomb of St. Thomas at Mylapore was opened four times! In 1225/1258 part of the relics of the Saint was removed from Mylapore and taken to Ortona in Italy. The earlier Church in Mylapore had outstanding dimensions comparable to Churches in Venice. Marco Polo who visited it in 1292 speaks about it. In 1545, St. Francis Xavier spent four months over here, praying to Our Lady of Mylapore. apostolic symbol for Thomas is a spear and a T-square. The carpenter s square is appropriate for the highlyeducated technical person of today who can only believe what he can see and touch. The expanded symbol contains a group of spears, stones and arrows. feast day July 3 patronage Patron of Builders and Architects. apostle thomas Even when Christians experience serious doubts, Jesus reaches out to them to restore their faith. It is worth noting that Jesus did not scold Thomas for his doubt. In fact, Jesus invited Thomas to touch his wounds and see for himself. All of the disciples, except John, deserted Jesus at the cross. They misun derstood and doubted Jesus, but Apostle Thomas is singled out in the gospels because he put his doubt into words. If we are truly seeking to know the truth, and we are honest with ourselves and others about our struggles and doubts, God will faithfully meet us and reveal Himself to us, just as He did for Thomas. key verses John 11:16, John 20:27-28 My Lord and my God John 20/28.

11 Apostle Bartholomew Nathanael, believed to be the disciple Bartholomew, experienced a jarring first encounter with Jesus. Nevertheless, in that instant he became a loyal follower of Jesus Christ. The name Bartholomew derived from Greek means son of Tolmai he was possibly from a group called the Tholmaens who gave much attention to the study of ancient Scriptures and the name Nathanael derived from Hebrew means God has given. His name appears in every list of the disciples (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13)... He was born or raised in Cana of Galilee (John 21:2) and knew the Hebrew Scriptures well (John 1:46). He was Skeptical (John 1:46); Honest (John 1:47); Faithful (John 1:49) and Straightforward. It was Philip who brought Bartholomew to Jesus. Jesus calls Nathanael a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false, then reveals that He saw Nathanael sitting under a fig tree before Philip called him. Nathanael responds to Jesus vision by proclaiming Him, the Son of God, the King of Israel (John 1/47). He witnessed the great catch of fish and ate breakfast with Jesus after His resurrection (John 21:2-7). tradition A number of scholars believe that he was the only disciple who came from royal family. Tradition indicates he was a great searcher of the Scripture and a scholar in the law and the prophets. He is said to have preached the Gospel with Philip in Phrygia and Hierapolis and also in Armenia. The Armenian Church claims him as their founder and says that he was flayed alive in Armenia. Tradition also suggests that Bartholomew ministered in Asia Minor, Ethiopia and India. Church tradition says Nathanael carried a translation of Matthew s Gospel to Northern India. death Flayed alive at Albanopolis, Armenia. Traditionally he met his death by being flayed or skinned alive, and then beheaded. Derbent, north of present day Baku on the Caspian Sea may have been his place of martyrdom. Legend also claims he was crucified upside down in Albania. On account of this legend, he is often represented in art (e.g. in Michelangelo s Last Judgment) as flayed and holding in his hand his own skin. His relics are thought to be preserved in the Church of St. Bartholomew, in the Tiber-Island, Rome. Alternatively he may have suffered this cruel fate in what is now India. apostolic symbol Because he was flayed alive with knives his apostolic symbol is three parallel knives. A blade is also used as his symbol. feast day August 24 patronage Patron Saint of Plasterers, Leather workers and Butchers. key verses John 1:49; John 1:47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.

12 Apostle Matthew Matthew, the seventh apostle called by Jesus (Matt 9:9) was the son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14) and possibly brother of Apostle James the Less (Mark 3:18). He lived in Capernaum on Lake Genesareth (Mark 2:1-17). His name is derived from Hebrew meaning Gift of God. Levi, who became the Apostle Matthew belonged to a family of tax collectors, or publicans but was himself a customs official in Capernaum. He taxed imports and exports based on his own judgement. The Jews hated him because he worked for Rome and betrayed his countrymen. The call of Matthew to be an apostle is mentioned in Mark 2:14, Matthew 9:9 and Luke 5: He was a gifted writer and was perhaps the best educated among the 12 Apostles. Unlike the other Apostles, he could use a pen, and with his pen he became the first man to present to the world, in the Hebrew language, an account of the teachings of Jesus, as Author of the first Gospel Gospel of Matthew. Matthew recognized Jesus as someone worth sacrificing for. He was a very earnest disciple and an increasing believer in the Mission of Jesus and in the certainty of the Kingdom. His fellow apostles commonly referred him as money-getter. He was a good business man (an accurate record keeper), hospitable (Matt 9:10) and social. He was penitent (Matt. 9:9, 10:2); abandoned his corrupt (and financially profitable way of life) to follow Jesus. When summoned by Jesus, Matthew arose and followed Him (Matt 9:9) and tendered Him a feast in his house (Matt 9:10). From that time on, instead of collecting tax money, Matthew collected souls for Christ. tradition says that as an eyewitness to the life of the Saviour, Matthew recorded a detailed account of Jesus message and deeds in the Gospel of Matthew. It also says that he preached for 15 years to the Jews in Je rusalem following the death and Resurrection of Jesus and then went out on the mission field to other countries Persia, Macedonia, Syria, Parthia, Media and Ethiopia. death The mode of his death is uncertain! Legend has it that he died as a martyr for the cause of Christ in Ethiopia or Persia. Other sources hold that Ethiopia was the place where he died and that he was stabbed to death there. Some say that he was burned, stoned or beheaded. apostolic symbol The three bags of coins representing his work as a tax collector before Jesus called him. Also an angel holding a pen or inkwell or money bags is used as his apostolic symbol. feast day September 21 patronage Patron of Accountants and Bankers; Apostle of Ethiopia. apostle matthew Matthew s life is a reminder that Jesus Christ is for everyone without exception. The highest calling in life is serving God, no matter what the world says. Money, fame, and power cannot be compared with being a follower of Jesus Christ. key verses Matthew 9:9; Luke 5:29

13 Apostle Jude & Apostle Simon Listed together with Simon the Zealot and James the Less, the Apostle Jude also known as Thaddeus (Mark 3:18), Lebbeus (Mat 10:3) or Judas (6:16; Acts 1:13), son of Cleophaus, completes a grouping of the least known disciples. Labbeus means heart or courageous. The Aramaic meaning of both Thaddaeus and Lebbaeus is beloved or dear to the heart. Sometimes he is called Judas but is distinguished from Ju das Iscariot. Judas Thaddeus was also called Judas the Zealot. Jerome called Jude Trinomious which means a man with three names. In Twelve Ordinary Men, John MacArthur s book about the apostles, Thaddeus, also known as Jude, is characterized as a tender-hearted, gentle man who displayed childlike humility. Jude, was the brother of James the Less, and a blood relative, a cousin of Jesus (Matt. 13:55) who lived in Galilee. In the single epistle he authored, he calls himself Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. (Jude 1:1).He preached in Syria, Mesopotamia and Persia with Apostle Si mon. The final two verses of Jude (24-25) contain a doxology consid ered as the finest in the New Testament. He was inquisitive (John 14:22) and confused (John 14:22). tradition says that Jude travelled on many missionary journeys in company with Simon. death Jude was beaten to death with a club in Persia (Iran). Armenian Apostolic tradition claims he was martyred in Beirut around A.D. 65 and sometime later his remains were transported to St. Peter s in Rome. An apocryphal account says he evangelized in Persia (Iran today) and was shot to death there with arrows. Another tradition says that he was crucified at Edessa. apostolic symbol is a ship because he was a missionary thought to be a fisherman. It is a gold en ship with silver sails before a red horizon for his missionary journeys. feast day October 28 patronage Apostle Jude is honored as St. Jude Thaddeus and as a patron saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church. He is also known as the Patron Saint of the Impossible and Desperate cases. apostle jude There is nothing beyond God s power and control because his letter stresses that the faithful should persevere in harsh and difficult circumstances. key verses John 14:21-22; Jude 20-21, Jude postle Simon, known as Simon the Zealot (to differentiate him from Simon APeter), was the last living member of the 12 Apostles. Born in Cana, in Galilee, he was a Zealot (Matt. 10:4) known as Simon the Cannae (meaning the zealous), He is often called as the mystery Apostle. The name Simon is derived from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning hearing. He was Patriotic (Matt. 10:4); Loyal (Mark 3:18); Passionate (Luke 6:15) and Sacrificial (Acts 1:13) Simon is often associated with St. Jude as a proselytizing team; they share their Feast day on 28th Octo ber. In Acts 1:13 we learn that he was present with the 11 apostles in the upper room of Jerusalem after Christ had ascended to Heaven. tradition Suggests that Simon was the bridegroom at the wedding of Cana. death The actual details of his death and the whereabouts of such are hazy, but it appears that he died in A.D Abyssinians claim he was crucified in Samaria. Another tradition is that he first preached in Egypt, before joining Jude and travelling to Persia, where both were martyred. Simon may have been crucified or hacked to death. LIPSIUS says he was sawn in half at Saner, Persia. apostolic symbol Fish lying on a Bible, which indicates he was a former fisherman who became a fisher of men. feast day October 28 patronage Patron Saint of the Tanners. apostle simon zealot In following Jesus, one should be willing to sacrifice and even die for Him. KEY VERSE Matt 10:2-4

14 Apostle Andrew Apostle Andrew abandoned John the Baptist whose disciple he was (Mark 1:16-18), (John 1:35-40) to become the first follower of Jesus of Nazareth, but John didn t mind because he knew his mission was to point people to the Messiah. Andrew whose name means manly in Greek was also known as Andreas the Apostle, Enders, the Apostle or Prokokletos, the first disciple. Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter (Matt 4:18-20), and son of Jonas (John 1:42). He was born in Bethsaida (John 1:44) and lived in Capernaum with Peter (Mark 1:29). He was a fisherman with his brother before Jesus called him (Mat 4:18). Andrew led people to Jesus, both before and after Crucifixion. He brought his brother Peter to Jesus (John 1:40) and then stepped into the background as his boisterous brother became a leader among the apostles and in the early Church. Always hungry for the truth, Andrew found truth-first in John the Baptist and then in Jesus Christ. As Apos tle, Andrew is mentioned fourth in the list of disciples which indicates that he stayed close to Jesus. He was inquisitive (John 1:35-38), was resourceful (John 6:8-9) and enthusiastic about Christ (John 1:35-42). Andrew shared in the graces and gifts of the first Pentecost and he helped to establish the Faith. After Pentecost, Andrew became a missionary and preached the Gospel in Asia Minor, Greece; in Modern Russia and Poland. He is the first to have the title of Home and Foreign Missionary. The Gospels record three episodes involving Apostle Andrew: (Mark 13:3 4); (John 6:8-13), (John 12:20-22). He was the first to follow Jesus (John 1:35); was present at the Last Supper; he witnessed the Ascension and he beheld the risen Jesus. tradition Many scholars say that he preached in Scythia, Greece and Asia Minor. An old pious tradition says that St.Andrew planted the cross on a hill near the site of Kiev, the Mother of all Russian cities. death The Church tradition says Andrew was crucified as a martyr. Deeming himself unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross on which Christ had been crucified Andrew asked to be tied to a Crux Decussata or an X shaped cross. He was crucified on a Saltire (X shaped cross) in Achaia, Greece in the town of Patra. apostolic symbol Since he was crucified on an X-shaped cross (which is called Saint Andrew s cross) it is one of his symbols. A symbol of two crossed fish has also been applied to Andrew, because he was formerly a fisherman. feast day November 30 patronage St. Andrew is claimed by three countries as their Patron Saint Russia, Scotland and Greece. He is also the Patron Saint of the Russian navy, and the sky-blue cross of St. Andrew on a white field is the Russian naval ensign. apostle andrew Apostle Andrew thirsted for truth and found it in the living water of Jesus Christ. He made Jesus the most important phenomenon in his life and his main purpose in life was to bring others to the Master. This is our mission too, to proclaim Jesus to the people. Like many of us, Andrew lived in the shadow of his more famous sibling, Simon Peter whom he led to Christ. key verses John 1:41; John 6:8-9.

15 Apostle John Apostle John, son of Zebedee and Salome (Matt. 27:56; Mark 16:1), brother to James the Great, was nicknamed by Jesus as one of the sons of thunder, but he liked to call himself the disciple whom Jesus loved. Thus, John was known as Apostle of Charity; John the Evangelist; Boanerges Son of Thunder; The Revealer; the Beloved Disciple the Disciple whom Jesus loved. With his fiery temperament and special devotion to the Saviour, he gained a favoured place in Christ s inner circle. John was a fisherman with his father and brother James (Matt. 4:18 22) and lived in Bethsaida, Capernaum and Jerusalem. Some scholars say that he was a cousin of Jesus, dis ciple of St. John the Baptist, friend of Peter the Apostle and was a partner with him (Luke 5:10). He was one of the pillars of the Jerusalem Church (Galatians 2:9) and prominent among the disciples. John wrote the fourth Gospel and three Epistles the Gospel of John; the letters 1, 2, and 3 John. He also wrote the Book of Revelation which was revealed to Apostle John on an island called Patmos, where he was in exile. John s Gospel is strikingly different from Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the three synoptic gos pels, which means seen with the same eye or from the same viewpoint. John continually emphasizes that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, sent by the Father to take away the sins of the world. He uses many symbolic titles for Jesus, such as the Lamb of God, Resurrection, and the Vine. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus uses the phrase I am, unmistakably identifying himself with Jehovah, the Great I AM or eternal God. He refers to himself four times in his Gospel as the disciple Jesus loved. John served the Church in Jerusalem and at Ephesus. He was the Bishop of Church at Ephesus. He founded Churches in Asia Minor. He was a man of action and ambitious. He was fiery (Luke 9:54); judgmental (Mark 9:38); selfish (Mark 10:35 37); bold, loving and compassionate after Pentecost (Acts 4:13 and 1 John 4). John was especially loyal to Jesus. He was the only one of the 12 apostles present at the cross. After Pentecost, John teamed up with Peter to fearlessly preach the gospel in Jerusalem and suffered beatings and imprisonment for it. encounters with jesus After the Resurrection, John with Peter was the first of the disciples to hasten to the grave and believe that Christ had truly risen (John 20: 2 10). When later Christ appeared at the Lake of Genesaret, John was also the first of the seven disciples present who recognized his Master standing on the shore (John 2:7). He was privileged to be with Jesus at the raising of Jairus daughter from the dead, at the Transfiguration, and during Jesus agony in Gethsemane. A previous relationship with Joseph Caiaphas allowed John to be present in the high priest s house during Jesus trial and he was the only apostle present at the foot of the Cross. He was made guardian of Our Lady by Jesus at the cross. tradition After his exile on the island of Patmos, he returned to Ephesus and died there around the year A.D An unsubstantiated legend holds that John was taken to Rome during a persecution and thrown into boiling oil but emerged unhurt. He was then exiled to the island of Patmos. death An attempt was made on his life by giving him a chalice of poison from which God spared him. According to tradition, John outlived all of the disciples, was the only disciple to die a natural death, dying of old age around 98 to 101 at Ephesus (modern Turkey) where he preached a gospel of love and taught against heresy. apostolic symbol His apostolic symbol is a chalice with a snake in it. Symbols for John often include the eagle (Rev. 4:7) and a book. feast day December 27 patronage Patron for Rain and Poisoning. apostle john As Christ loves us, we are to love others. God is love, and we, as Christians, are to be channels of God s love to our neighbours. key verses (John 15:4); (1 John 5:10 11); (John 11:25 26); (1 John 4:16 17). (Revelation 22:12 13): Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

16 Fishers of men, you shall be! Haven t you heard of Him In tender voice above the roar of the sea Inviting fishermen to catch not fish but men for him? Young man, says He, Follow me, I will make you fisher of men A Rabbi, whose call none could ignore, none could resist. Whose early catch was those daring ones who lived by the sea, Who in faith and trust labored hard with watchful eye! Walking through the fields of yesterday, I see myself As a young boy who had heard of dangerous men, In search of children and of babes for their catch, To bind, to blind and to devour! Warned well of such villains and witches By my mother and older siblings too, In mortal fear was I to go and return from school all alone! On seeing beggars or nomads, in those days Ran I for life, assuming they belonged to this category! Those were days and years gone past But now, I am speaking of a Man In search of a new kind of catch, A world apart from the modern abusers and seducers Who involve in crimes so heinous, Trafficking innocent children and helpless women, Bringing anew the slavery of the past, With abduction of men and women as animals so low, Engaged in illegal organ trade and perverted pleasures. His purpose of the catch was far from That of Philosophers and Masters of space and numbers; Neither his catch same as the ancient sages and god-men, In search of the Creator and His abode, Here on earth or beyond its boundaries. Enlightened surely, were some of these masters. In search of the Light, They were not the light unto themselves. Few of them did speak of the truth, But none were, the Truth itself. Many among them spoke of Love Without being the Voice of Love or the Love Incarnate God s Love manifest among us.

17 There was no space for Him, when in time, He appeared among us, for, His own received Him not! The humblest became His Mother, The most obedient fostered Him, The poorest in the land and in spirit welcomed Him, He was poor and was on the side of as such. Loud and clear was His manifesto : The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the deaf hear The dead are raised and the good news is preached to the poor. Mat. 11:5 f Walking by the Sea of Galilee, His keen eyes Were on those who will catch men instead of fish! Speaking to His Father in solitude was He; Before He called the twelve, the Apostles, Men who cast their nets to catch fish Who sat at His feet to listen, to learn, They gave up their very life in order to catch men for Him! A new law of love and forgiveness did the Master teach them His attention mostly extended to the sinner. They, the branches and He the Vine Cut off from Him, the branch bears no fruit And the branch that bears fruit, He prunes. Jn. 15:1f He is the Way, the Truth and the Life Jn. 14:6 The Good Shepherd is He who dies for His sheep. Jn. 10:15 If the Master was hated by the world, The disciples too will receive the same yardstick! Jn. 15:20 They learned a lesson so hard and true Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, It shall not produce fruit! Jn.12:24 Enlightened and inspired, they rose from His feet Filled with wisdom and courage, to proclaim His Kingdom. Sitting at the table with His disciples for the last time Before He carried our burdens through that Tree, Like a servant he bent before the twelve, the betrayer included To wash their feet and kiss them in love,! Thus summarized He, all His life and teachings in that supreme act Adding You too shall wash one another s feet The proof that you are My disciples. Jn.14:13 The Lord and Master became the servant, one who serves, He led by serving and served by leading unto the Cross. The greatest leader willingly gave up His life for us. As He promised, the Spirit came upon His disciples, Transforming them as His true witnesses throughout the world. With courage, fearlessness and commitment, These men who would catch men for Him became Fishers of men, who Turned the world upside down!

18 To be born anew as He is born again, Is His renewed invite for us To start all over again with Jesus, The little Babe of Bethlehem And grow to His stature day by day Like the earnest disciples And proclaim the message of the Master Across the world and beyond. Let this Christ event unwind our closed lives And lead us back to the essentials of life. Leaving aside our own nets of self-defense and self-sufficiency, Heed we the Master s call, to find Him In those who have no room in the living space. Vesting ourselves in the swaddling clothes Of simplicity, gentleness and humility, Serve we Him in human weakness, neediness and dependence Revealing Him thus as the God who is Love and Light of the world. Filled with the spirit and the tenacity of Apostles We too can catch men and women for a new world order Where equity, justice and peace will prevail! May the Blessings of Christmas fill your Hearts and Homes Throughout the NewYear 2014 Bro. George Kalangod Provincial kalangod@gmail.com

19 Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch... (Luke 5:4)