“Matthew 10:1-7”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS
Gospel: (Matthew 10:1-7/ The Twelve Apostles)
“And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go, saying, `The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Reflection: My Friends,
The way Jesus changed the lives of these men that is pretty remarkable. Who were these men? Can you see yourself in the sandals of those simply chosen? Scripture only speaks of all these 12 men 3 other times: Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:12-16 and Acts 1:13.
·
Andrew. He was active in bringing people to
Jesus, including his brother Peter.
·
James. He was the older brother of John. He was
the first of The Twelve to be martyred.
·
John. He and his brother James were fishermen.
·
Philip. From Bethsaida, as were Andrew and
Peter. Eventually he was martyred, possibly at Hierapolis.
·
Bartholomew. He was one of the disciples to whom
Jesus appeared at the Sea of Tiberias after His resurrection. He was a witness
to the Ascension.
·
Thomas. He was also called Didymus which is the Greek
version of his name. He is known by many as "Doubting Thomas" because
he wanted to actually see and touch Jesus after His Resurrection. Which he did
in the upper room. Certainly a good witness for us today, because he wanted
indisputable proof of what he was expected to report about, and he got it.
·
Matthew. Formerly a tax-collector at Capernaum,
he became one of the more prominent apostles. (The Gospel According to Matthew)
·
James. Known as James the Younger, or James the
Less, he wrote the epistle which bears his name.
·
Thaddeus. Also known as "Judas the brother of
James;" while John probably referring to the same person, speaks of
"Judas, not Iscariot."
·
Simon the Zealot. The Zealots were a nationalistic
sect with very strong political views.
·
Judas Iscariot. Became the traitor. Matthias
was chosen by the remaining eleven apostles after Judas betrayed Jesus and
killed himself.
How do you remember all the names of the Apostles? Well here's a song called "Jesus Loves Me" that can it much easier.. It rhymes. Check it out.
Jesus called them one by one,
Peter, Andrew, James and John
Next came Phillip, Thomas too
Matthew and Bartholomew
Peter, Andrew, James and John
Next came Phillip, Thomas too
Matthew and Bartholomew
Yes, Jesus called them,
Yes, Jesus called them,
Yes, Jesus called them,
He called them one by one.
Yes, Jesus called them,
Yes, Jesus called them,
He called them one by one.
James, the one they called the less,
Simon also Thaddeus
Twelfth apostle Judas made
Jesus was by him betrayed.
Simon also Thaddeus
Twelfth apostle Judas made
Jesus was by him betrayed.
Consider this Prayer: My Lord Jesus I know I fall way short of any power or influence in your sight. The struggles I face indeed show me that I need a Savior. I ask You Lord that within my hearts you place this desire and burden of love for You. I ask for your forgiveness of my sins, strength in my weakness; and courage to not care what the world thinks as of me as I follow after You. Please Lord give me strength so that I might better serve you like the Apostles till end of my life. I ask this in Your Name ~Amen.
Pondering these thoughts today: As many of you can see either through your own bible study or even a little in today’s study –Jesus chose fairly ordinary people. No one was chosen because of their status in the community or their high ranking title at work. Instead they were ordinary working people who infact had no advantage or recognition in the community. These ordinary people were chosen to do extraordinary things. When Jesus calls us like the apostles, we have little to offer; but through Jesus He uses us to help direct others to the Kingdom of God. God can work magnificent miracles through us, all we must do is invite Him into our heart and lives as ask Him to lead the way. For He is the Way –Truth and Life.
Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
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