2. Gospel Reading:
The Twelve Apostles
Mark 3: 13-19
Then Jesus went up into the hill country,
and called those he wanted, and they
came to him. He appointed Twelve to be
with him, and he called them ‘apostles.’
He wanted to send them out to preach;
and he gave them authority to drive out
demons. These are the Twelve: Simon , to
whom he gave the name Peter; James ,
son of Zebedee, and John his brother...;
Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,
Thomas, James son of Alpheus,
Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and
Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed
4. Who are the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ?
Simon Peter (Fisherman),
Andrew (Fisherman),
James the Son of Zebedee ,
John the Beloved,
Matthew (Tax collector),
James the Son of Alpheus,
Thomas (Doubter), Simon
(Zealot), Bartholomew, Philip,
Jude, Judas (Traitor), [Matthias]
5. WHAT WERE EXPECTED FROM THE APOSTLES?
They were the designated followers of Jesus. They were taught to interiorize his teaching
before being sent to preach, to drive away demons, and make others
believe of the salvation the Jesus Christ brings.
6. Jesus' choice of twelve disciples to form an inner circle of
followers served to symbolize the truth that he had come to build
a new house of Israel. The Twelve formed the nucleus of this new
people of God, corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel, and
signifying God's saving activity at work in Jesus and his followers.
7. Who are your inner circle?
Who are your spiritual squad?
Who are your community?
8. The apostles were the eye- and ear- witnesses of his revelation.
Apostle in Latin “apostolus” means “messenger; he who
is sent forth.” An apostle is sent to deliver or spread those
teachings to others. The word "apostle" has two meanings, the
larger meaning of a messenger and the narrow meaning to
denote the twelve people directly linked to Jesus Christ.
9. HUMAN SPEECH
Dictionary of Biblical Theology, 246
Human speech- a simple means of
communication among men, speech expresses the
person , participates in his dynamism, and
somehow efficacious. Hence, its importance in
human behavior.
In judging a man’s worth, speech is a
touchstone by which he can be tested (Si 27, 4-7)
A fitting speech or an opportune response is
a treasure and a joy (Pr 15, 23; 25,11) , for there “is
a time to speak and a time to keep silent” (Qo 3,
7). He must restrain his speech (Si 1, 24) , weigh his
words, put a latch on his mouth (Si 28, 25; Ps 39, 2;
141, 3), and be slow to speak (Jm 1, 19)
For the mouth speaks rom the abundance of
the heart, and in such a way that good man brings
out a treasure from within him (Lk 6, 45). Speaking
under the action of the Holy Spirit , he can edify,
exhort , and console his brothers ( 1 Co 14, 3); for
his human speech then expresses the Word of God.
Your message?
10. ASK YOURSELF:
What type of messages do you bring to your parents, siblings,
relatives, classmates, or teachers? Do you bring good news;
words of kindness, encouragement, blessings to people you
meet? Do you relay rumours, gossips or misinformation that
destroy the dignity of others?
12. God does not call the qualified.
He qualifies the ones He called.
13. ASK YOURSELF:
Can you identify your imperfections,
lapses, misgivings, and shortcomings
in life? Do you humbly accept the ugly
realities about yourself? How do you
handle them? Do you do something to
improve yourself? Do you remain
stubborn about your flaws and
neglect the opportunity for growth
and development?
14. Disciples vs. Apostles:
Differences in Meaning
While a disciple is a student, one who
learns from a teacher, an apostle is sent
to deliver those teachings to others. We can
say that all apostles were disciples but all
disciples are not apostles. Jesus chose
twelve Disciples and this inner circle of men
came to be known as Apostles who were
entrusted to spread the message of Jesus
throughout the world so that eventually
there would be many Disciples.
15. The Gospel proclamation knows no boundaries
In his last words to the apostles, the
Lord Jesus Christ gave them a
mission: “Go, therefore, and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I
have commanded you” (Mt 28:19-
20).
16. Twelve men responded to the call. They were Jews,
commoners, and simple men of faith who gave up
everything to be followers of Christ. Jesus spent
three years training them to be leaders. Jesus’
plan was to eventually have the disciples take over and
carry on the work He had started.
To make sure that the apostles’ teachings
would be passed down after the deaths of the
apostles, Paul told Timothy, “What you have
heard from me before many witnesses
entrust to faithful men who will be able to
teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).
17. APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION
is the line of bishops stretching back to the apostles. All over
the world, all Catholic bishops are part of a lineage that goes
back to the time of the apostles.
18. SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL
Presbyteorum Ordinis:
“Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests”
December 7, 1965
2. “Therefore, having sent the apostles
just as he himself been sent by the
Father, Christ, through the apostles
themselves, made their successors,
the bishops, sharers in his
consecration and mission. The office of
their ministry has been handed down, in a
lesser degree indeed, to the priests.
Established in the order of the priesthood
they can be co-workers of the episcopal
order for the proper fulfillment of the
apostolic mission entrusted to priests by
Christ.”
19. “The true measure of
leadership is influence.
Nothing more, nothing less.”
- John C. Maxwell
author, speaker, and pastor
20. ASK YOURSELF:
Who do you follow and emulate? Who
are the ones you look up to in the
society? Who are your life’s biggest
influences? Whose leadership do you
trust the most? Do you try to become
a good influencer or leader to your
family, friends, co-church members?
21. "And he said to them all, If any man will
come after me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross daily, and follow me."
Luke 9:23
What is it to be an apostle?
SELF-DENIAL
22. Self-denial is about making SACRIFICES.
A sacrifice is a loss or something you give
up, usually for the sake of a better cause.
23. self-denial is SELFLESS act
“There is no greater love than to
lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
John 15:13
24. ASK YOURSELF:
Are you willing to leave behind the things that matter to you to
attain a higher good? What sacrifices did you remember doing
out of love? What forms of self-denial have you done for the
Lord? What are the things you are willing to give up on behalf
of the people dear to you?
25. John 13:12- 15
“Do you understand what I have done for
you?” he asked them. “You call me
‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is
what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher,
have washed your feet, you also should wash
one another’s feet. I have set you an example
that you should do as I have done for you.
27. There are simple WAYS TO SERVE
THE LORD THROUGH OTHERS
Service isn’t an option. Service is a responsibility.
It is a responsibility you need to take seriously and
one you should embrace joyfully.
28. 1.Be kind to strangers
2.Remember someone
3.Pray for those in need
4.Share food
5. Share your time
6.Share your money
7.Share your stuff
8.Share your talents
9.Share the Word of God
29. ASK YOURSELF:
How do you show an act of service to your neighbour and God? What type of
people do you find yourself comfortable serving? Does it include orphans, the
poor, the sick, strangers, the suffering, the handicapped, the differently-
abled? the oppressed? Are you only rendering service to a selective group of
individuals? Or are you open to serve all types of people who come to your life?
30. “Christ carries his own cross,
he invites you to carry yours too.”
Take up your Cross
31. What Does
“Take Up Your Cross” Mean?
1. Opposition: A cross was used to
execute criminals who had the state of
Rome in opposition to them.
2. Shame: This execution was reserved
for the worst criminals, and the victim
was usually naked on a cross for hours.
3. Suffering: This kind of execution
was designed to prolong excruciating
pain.
4. Death: The aim of crucifixion was
death, not torture followed by release.
32. The Triumph of the Cross
(An excerpt from a homily
by Saint John Chrysostom)
“All this was the glorious result of the
cross. The cross is our trophy raised
against the demons, our sword against sin,
and the sword Christ used to pierce the
serpent. The cross is the Father’s will, the
glory of the Only-begotten, the joy of the
Spirit, the pride of the angels, the
guarantee of the Church, St. Paul’s boast,
the bulwark of the saints, and the light of
the entire world.”
33. The Persecutions of the
Apostles
John 15: 18- 19
“If the world hates you, keep in
mind that it hated me first. If you
belonged to the world, it would
love you as its own. As it is, you
do not belong to the world, but I
have chosen you out of the
world. That is why the world
hates you.”
34. Sharing the Passion of Jesus Christ
As Christians, we seek the
guidance of the Holy Spirit to
help us understand that the
sufferings of our life are the
continuation of Christ’s own
passion. We have to accept our
way of the cross. We have to
believe that it will lead us to
our resurrection with the Lord
Jesus Christ.
35. “Persevere like a seed, even
when people try to bury you,
flourish.”
-Matshona Dhliwayo
36. ASK YOURSELF:
What are your crosses (problems,
struggles, persecutions and
sufferings) in life? How are you
addressing your own experience of
passion in life? What could be the
heaviest cross you have carried so
far? What attitude do you show in the
face of challenges and obstacles?
Do you bear your crosses with
patience, endurance, joy and hope?
37. Take up your cross, the Savior said,
If you would my disciple be;
Deny yourself, the world forsake,
And humbly follow after me.
Take up your cross, let not its weight
Fill your weak spirit with alarm;
His strength shall bear your spirit up,
Shall brace your heart and nerve your arm.
Take up your cross then in his strength,
And every danger calmly brave,
To guide you to a better home,
And victory over death and grave.
Take up your cross and follow Christ,
Nor think till death to lay it down;
For only he who bears the cross
May hope to wear the glorious crown.
To you, great Lord, the One in three,
All praise for evermore ascend;
O grant us here below to see
The heavenly life that knows no end.
The Liturgy of the Hours,
Daytime Prayer
Lenten Hymn, Before Holy Week
Text: Charles William Everest Tune: Bourbon
“Take Up Your Cross”
38. WITNESSING FOR CHRIST!
The primary function of the apostles
was to witness to Christ. Pope Francis:
“A Christian who doesn't give
witness is unfathomable.“
Christian witnessing is all about
revealing the unseen
Jesus in people's lives. To
put all of your faith and all of your love
into someone you can't see…
40. ASK YOURSELF:
How do you witness to God? Do you stand on behalf of Christ to
your family, friends and acquaintances? Do people see you as a
threat or an obstacle in their lives? Are you able to represent the
goodness, forgiveness and humility of Christ everywhere you go
and to everyone you meet? Do people feel the presence of Christ
in you?
42. Whatever is your calling
Respond to it!
THE LORD
CALLS
With this Exhortation (Gaudete et
Exultate) I would like to insist
primarily on the call to holiness that
the Lord addresses to each of us, the
call that he also addresses,
personally, to you: “Be holy, for I am
holy” (Lev 11:44; cf. 1 Pet 1:16).
-Pope Francis
43. “Let the grace of your baptism bear fruit in a path
of holiness. Let everything be open to God; turn
to him in every situation.
(Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exultate, 15)
To be holy does not require being a bishop, a
priest or a religious. We are frequently tempted to
think that holiness is only for those who can
withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much
time in prayer. That is not the case. We are all
called to be holy by living our lives with
love and by bearing witness in everything
we do, wherever we find ourselves.”
(Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exultate,14).
APOSTLESHIP AND HOLINESS
44. WE ARE CALLED TO BE
MODERN DAY APOSTLES:
1.Positive Messengers
2.Perfection Seekers
3.Good Influencers
4.Joyful Sufferers
5.Other-Centered
6.Service- Oriented
7.Living Witnesses
Good Morning Sebastinians, welcome to your annual recollection at St. Al’s. I am Fray Ramon Bitancor III, OAR. I am in my fourth year in theology. Currently assisting the Campus Ministry Office of SSC-R both main and Canacao, for my school exposure. I won’t be staying long though, because most probably by the end of February or beginning of March, I will return to our seminary theology house in Quezon City to continue my formation program in the priesthood. Please pray for me/ for all of us who are pursuing this kind of life, because the world badly needs not just priests but good priests, so we need your prayers and spiritual support. Rest assure that we too will also pray for all you in your daily grind as students of San Sebastian College Sa mga interesadong mag subukan ang buhay pagpapari o pagmamadre diyan, feel free to approach me, or any of the religious priests in the campus ah, we will be happy to accompany you. So much for the introduction, I am glad to be with you today, I hope I can serve as an instrument of God upang matuklasan ninyo ang kanyang wagas na pagmamahal at manamnam ninyo ng maigi ang sandali sa araw na ito para upang mas makilala ang sarili at mapalalim pa ang ugnyan niyo sa Poong Maykapal.
To officially begin our recollection, I invite all of you to follow me as I read through the gospel according to Mark. Let it be known this particular Gospel is our guiding principle and point of reference for today’s session. Dito natin ibabase at huhugutin ang aspetong tatalakayin sa araw na ito. Ang ebanghelyong ito ang ating gagamitin sa pagpapalawak at pagpapalalim ng ating paksa. Right after reading the Gospel, let us try to concentrate on the probable message of the Gospel. Bibigyan ko kayo ng isang minuto para pagnilaynilayan ang kwento na handog ng Ebanghelyo. Isipin niyo ng mabuti ang mensaheng hatid ng engkwentro ng mga apostoles kay Hesus.
Today, we will try to discover the deeper meaning of what apostleship means. Uunawain natin ang mas malalim na kahulugan ng consepto ng pagiging apostol; ano ano ang mga bagay na magpapatunay at magpapatibay na ikaw ay may taglay na katangian ng mga apostol? Sa araw na ito, I want to impart to you that the gift of apostleship is not only given to the 12 apostles of Jesus, but is also extended to all. We are all called to be an apostle in our own little ways. Sa araw din na ito, susubukan nating iugnay ang ating sarili sa mga karanasan at pinagdaanan ng mga apostoles sa panahon noong silay nabubuhay pa. Tinawag tayong lahat upang sumunod sa yapak ni Kristo and Jesus Christ’s calling of the apostles in today’s gospel should inspire us to respond to the call of Jesus Christ, to become messengers, leaders, cross-bearers, servers and witnesses of the gospel values. Are you ready? Ready or not! Here we go!
Who are the 12 apostles? We have the two brothers Peter and Andrew who are both fishermen.
James the Son of Zebedee – James the Elder
John the Beloved – the only apostle who did not died a martyr under persecution because among the 12 apostles , he was the only apostle who never left Jesus’ side together with the Blessed Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene while Jesus was suffering from the hands of the jews.
Matthew (tax collector)-
James the Younger, - James Son of Alpheus
Thomas the Doubter – Didymus, he doubted the Jesus’ ressurection when first told of it; later he confessed his faith, ‘My Lord and my God,” on seeing Jesus‘ crucifixion wounds. He refused to believe that Jesus appeared before the 10 remaining apostles.
Simon the Zealot – obsure and ambigous member of the apostle
Bartholomew – or Nathaniel – skinned alived.
Philip, Jude,
Judas (the Traitor)
[Matthias]
Sino- sino nga ba ang mga apostles? Ang mga apostoles ay ang mga taga-sunod ni Kristo. Sila ang mga pangkat ng kalalakihan na sinugo, tinawag at pinili ni Krsito upang ipalaganap ang Mabuting Balita, aralin ang mga turo niya at isabuhay ang mga ito at imbitahin ang iba para maniwala, magsisi sa mga kasalanan at mamuhay ng banal. Ang mga apostoles ay dumaan sa insayo sa ilalim ng mga kamay ni Hesus. They were privately trained by Jesus to interiorize his teaching before being sent to preach, to drive away demons, and make others believe of the salvation the Jesus Christ brings. The apostles were invited and chosen by God to follow his way of life and become witnesses of his love for the world.
The 12 apostles embodies the the inner circle of Jesus. They are the core group in charge of duties of salvation and liberation from sin. They were personally approached, selected and called by Jesus to help him in his ministry. In fact, the 12 apostles are to carry out certain functions on behalf of their master Jesus. They stand as the representative of Jesus, specially appointed to continue the work he will be leaving upon ascending to heaven. Dahil alam ni Hesus na hindi siya magtatagal sa mundong ito, inatasan niya ang 12 apostoles para ipagpatuloy ang misyon na iiwan niya.
The word “apostle” in latin is Apostolo which means “one who is sent.” The apostles send messages to people about Good news; blessings, miracles, and salvation. They are messengers who communicate, relay, and transmit the Word of God to others. The apostles never talked-ill or backstabbed others. It was never an attitude or habit instilled by Christ. Oo hindi sila perpekto, pero wala sa mga kwentong narinig nating sa ebanghelyo ang nagsabing nagkalat sila ng masamang balita sa kanilang kapwa. They were appointed to spread positivity and hope to all. But of course, as Christians we should not only be messengers, but our life itself should already be message to everyone.
Now, I invite you to think about the messages you transmit, relay and convey to people. Anong klaseng mensahe ang hatid at binibigay mo sa iba? Are you fund of leaving positive and wholesome comments about others? Are your lips used to carry words of kindness, encouragement, blessings? O baka naman mas ginugugol pa natin ag ating mga oras sa pagkakalat ng tsimis, paninira sa kapwa, panglilibak, panghuhusga o pagbibigay ng panirang puri?
But there’s one fact we have to know about the apostles. Maaring naging Santo ang mga apostoles, pero hindi sila Diyos. Sila ay mga ordinaryong tao lamang na ginamit lamang ni Kristo, pero ginamit sila sa hindi pangkaraniwang paraan. They are not perfect. They have flaws and failures too. Kung babalikan natin ang mga kwento sa gospels, we will find out that some of the apostles were self-centered, ambitious, coward, naduwag silang ipagtanggol si Kristo sa oras na pinaparusahan na siya. Peter denied him three times. Some of the apostles didn’t get along with most of the others in their group, nag aaway away sila kung sino ang uupo sa kanang trono ni Hesus pagdating ng panahon. They often didn’t fully believe Jesus until He backed up His words with actions. Thomas doubted about his resurrection. The ones in the boat doubted his divinity only until Jesus calmed the storm. Ilang beses rin silang nagduda sa pagkataong Diyos ni Hesus. One was a thief and betrayed Jesus for money, which is Judas. They were not completely loyal to Jesus because they all took off when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, except John the beloved.
Basically, they are not perfect. They made mistakes and fell out of holiness. But even if God foreknew all of their imperfections, still he chose them to make us realize that you don’t need to be perfect in order to serve God. Just because we commit flaws, blunders and misgivings, it doesn’t mean we can’t serve God anymore. I am not perfect but I have been a seminarian for almost 10 years already. The bishops, priests, and nuns are not perfect and yet here they are dedicating their lives to God. The point is, kung talagang tinawag ka , tinawag ka. You just have to surrender your flaws to the lord and offer to Him your imperfect selves, in order for his grace to work on us. We have to accept that we are not perfect. The more that we need God because we are not perfect. Otherwise, kung perfect ka, para saan pa ang paghingi mo ng tulong at pagkapit sa Diyos? We are humans only. Tinawag ka niya di dahil banal ka, di dahil perpekto, tinawag ka niya dahil mahal ka niya at alam niyang kaya mong sundin ang planong nilaan niya para sayo. Always remember this,hindi mo kelangan maging perpekto para makapaglingkod sa Simbahan because God does not called the qualified, walang qualified kasi walang perpekto. Rather, he qualifies the ones he called.
At this point, I want you now to think about at pagnilaynilayan ang mga nagawa nating kapalpakan, pagkamamali. Let us reflect upon our imperfections and ask ourselves how aware are we about them. Do we accept them? What attitude do we give or show whenever we realize about our blunders, misgivings, and shortcomings? Do we do something to improve ourselves and learn from them? Or do we remain stubborn and stagnat, never attempting to change them and become better?
We have to distinguish the difference between a disciple from an apostle. Minsan nakakalito dahil both terms are used to describe those who follow Christ’ footsteps. Still they differ in some aspects at para hindi kayo malito, let it be understood that an apostle is always disciple but a disciple is not always an apostle. A disciple is student. The apostles themselves even have their disciples, person who they train and teach. On the other hand, an apostle has a heavier responsibility. They are expected to be more active and the word apostle is a title given only to the 12 and nobody else. Because the inner circle, the core group of Jesus were composed the apostles. And the ones outside of it, are called disciples.
By the time we are baptized, we were given the taskof apostleship which entails us to spread the Word of God abroad , throught out all nations. As Christians, it is our mission to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Lahat po tayo ay may obligasyon na ipalaganap ang kabutihan, pagmamahal at pag-asang hatid sa atin ni Kristo sa buong mundo, saang sulok man ng planeta, saang lugar man tayo mapadpad. Every Christian must preach the Good News by words and deeds. Jesus ‘ mandate to “Go out the whole world,” is addressed to all of us. the fulfillment of this task/ mission is not only expected of priests, bishops, religious, and the clergy, but every single baptized Christian, ikaw, ako, lahat po tayo. Jesus is counting all of us to make his name known and the blessings he bring to everyone in the world.
They are our present day spiritual leaders and influencers. Apostleship, for that matter, is defined by ones capacity to influence others and lead them to do the right thing. The apostles, who are now represented by our existing religious and clergy in the Church, positively influence people about our faith and leading people what’s best for the salvation of their souls. Ang totong at tunay na apostoles ay hanap-hanap at gagawa ng paraan upang mabuti tayo, mainganyo tayong baguhin ang ating mga buhay at maligtas tayo sa kaparusahan ng ating mga kasalanan. Saint Augustine on his Sermon on the Pastors, says that every Christian is born a leader. Every Christian is a leader for Christ. Being a Christian is to his own advantage, while being a leader is to the advantage of Christ.
Even if the apostles are not around anymore still the gift of apostleship continues. Patuloy pa rin na nabubuhay at isinasagawa ang misyon na iniwan ni Kristo sa mundo sa tulong ng mga kumakatawan sa Simbahan. At sino- sino sila? Well, they are no other than but our priests, bishops, evangelists, and we can even include our beloved CLF teachers, who are teaching us about the important gospel values that we ought to live day by day. Maaring hindi na natin kapiling ang mga apostoles pero ibinilin at ipinasa nila ang misyon ni Kristo sa mga indibidwal na naglilingkod at nag-alay ng kanilang sarili sa Simbahan – ang mga obispo, pari, madre, sila ang matuturing nating mga sumunod sa direct and immediate line of apostles, sila ang bumubuo sa linya ng mga apostoles ni Hesus
At this point, I encourage you to look back at your own life at tignan kung sino sino ba ang mga taong sunusundan at hinahangaan niyo ngayon? Pinapalago ba nila ang pagkatapo at panampalataya niyo? Nagiging inspirasyon ba sila para manatiling mabuti, mapagkumbaba, at malapit kayo sa Diyos? Oh nilalayo nila kayo sa direction na nais ng Diyos na tahakin niyo. Who are the leaders and the kind of influencers that we are following and looking up to? Who are the people to whom you are listening to and emulating?
As Christians, we should learn how to set aside the things that provide pleasure and comfort. Jesus Chrsit requires his followers to learn the process of denying themselves. Self-denial means to avoid the excess of things which can eventually be harmful. Masama ang sobra sobra. Hindi rin mabuti ang masayadong kulang. Self-denial gives us a right feeling of self-preservation. The exercise of self-denial is the practice of self-control or temperance. Hindi lahat ng masarap, nakalulugod, not everything which is pleasureable to our human senses can be good to us. Sa mundong ating ginagalawan na maraming pwedeng ihiandog, kinakailangan marunong tayo umayaw at humindi sa mga alok na hindi naman makakabuti. Self-denial is making good choices to prevent our body and soul in danger.
Self-denial implies the joyful giving up of what we need, or what might contribute to our comfort, for the purpose of doing a greater good to others.
Self-denial is also same with making sacrifices. to sacrifice implies giving up of that which might be a real good to us for the sake of others, whom we love and consider important. Sacrifice or Even God made His own sacrifice. It was an act of sacrifice/ self-denial from God to send his only begotten Son to die for sinners. Isang napakalaking sakripisyo ang ginawa ng ating Diyos Ama na ialay at ipadala ang kanyang anak na si Hesus at makita siyang ipako sa Krus para maging kabayaran sa ating mga kasalanan. Masakit at mahirap pero kinakailangan dahil mahal tayo ng Diyos. Ang totoong nagmamahal, nagsasakripisyo. The Apostles themselves may not be perfect as I mentioned a while back, but they still showed their love for Jesus Christ, by sacrificing their own wants in life. Iniwan nila ang kanilang mga pamilya, kayamanan, hanap-buhay, masundan lang nila si Kristo, maipakita lang nila ang kanilang pagmamahal sa Diyos, na siyang tumawag sa kanila upang maging instrumento ng pag-asa at kapatawaran. Apostles also made some huge sacrifices to pay heed to Christ’s call. They had to leave behind their family and their own jobs. They had to forget about themselves, their own dreams, plans and projects just to dedicate themselves solely to the mission of Christ. Otherwise, their hearts and minds will be divided at mahihirapan silang ituun ang kanilang buong pansin at panahon kay Kristo. Detachment from family and material goods and follow. To follow jesus means to leave whatever hinders the way. Singleheartedness is necessary for Jesus. They have to give up everything to be exact, in order to benefit from the reward that awaits them through Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are also expected to make some sacrifices or to give up some things for God. Ayun nga sa isang kasabihan: No pain; no gain. Basically, a sacrifice is a loss or something you give up, usually for the sake of a better cause. Parents sacrifice time to take care of their children, students sacrifice give up their TV time to study and garner high grades. Teachers sacrifice their personal errands to make lessons for the next day’s class. The reality of sacrifice is inseperable from/to/with our lives as Christians. If we want something to turn out well, our dreams, plans, projects, -then we have to sacrifice. Most of the times, the act of sacrificing is not easy, it’s painful, it’s difficult but it will always pay off in the end.
Self-denial is selflessness. It is that point when you graduate from being self-centered and evolved to being other-centered. By sacrificing ourselves, we get to fulfill the second commandment of the Lord that is to love our neighbor. We are called for charity . Giving time for others, care, generosity, concern even if they are not deserving of it, still counts as an act of love. Self-denial is that point where we begin to forget ourselves and to remember others.
At this point, I want you to check yourself and discover what are the forms of self-denial have you made out of love for others? What were the sacrifices you did to attain a higher good? Ano-ano na ang mga bagay o panagarap na kinalimutan, isinantabi at sinakripisyo mapasaya lang ang minamahal mo? Kaya mo rin bang gawin ito para sa Diyos? Handa nga ba tayo magparaya o magsakripisyo o baga masyado na tayong makasarili at ang sarili lang natin ang ating kayang mahalin?
Kabilang sa mahahalagang katangian ng isang apostoles ay ang kagustuhan nitong maglinkod na walang kapalit o kabayaran. The kind of service that apostles render is a service offered to others without pressing charges. During the washing of the feet, Jesus reminds his apostles that as he is able to wash their feet which symbolizes, ang paghuhugas po ng paa ay sumisimbolo sa paglilingkod, Jesus encourages and commissions the apostles to dot the same, to serve others. Sa paglilingkod ni Hesus sa mga apostoles, ipiakita niya ang kahalgahan ng paglilingkod sa iba na siyang magiging bahagi nga misyon di lamang nga mga apostoles pero sa lahat ng Kristyano.
Service to man is service to God. How can we say we love God if we can’t love our brethren. Isang pagpapatunay ng ating pagmamahal sa Diyos ay ang kakayahan nating mahalin ang ibang tao. Kung Diyos nga na hindi natin nahahawakan at nakikita sa pisikal minamahal natin, bakit hindi ang kapwa na tin na mismong naririyan sa harap natin. Paglilingkod sa iba, handa kang kalimutan ang sarili para sa kapakanan ng iba ay parte ng tawag bilang mga apostoles. As we practice service to others, we are led closer to Christian perfection because that’ what our life as Christians should be- a life of service to God, through others.
Service isn’t an option. Service is a responsibility. It is a responsibility you need to take seriously and one you should embrace joyfully. Here are 10 simple ways to do for you to render service to God, through your brethren.
We can be extraordinary just by doing these ordinary gestures. They’re simple but they can actually change lives and contribute to someone’s life.
Now, as we speak of service, I invite you to remember the last time you have shown care, concern, appreciation for someone? What could have been the reason behind the services you render? Is it because you are expecting something in return? Recognition or popularity perhaps? Or you are just driven by the need and honor to help others out of love? Ano ang mga klase ng paglilingkod na hinahandog mo sa iyong pamilya, Simbahan, Eskwelahan? Kung bibigyan ka ng pagkakataon maglingkod sa Diys sa paraan na gusto /nais mo, ano ito?
Christians apostleship is never free of trials and challenges. So whenever we are faced with these, running away from them is not an option. As christians we have to embrace trials and challenges. As Christians, we have to carry with joy, our crosses. Jesus Christ himself carried his own cross all the way to Golgatha or the place of skull with perseverance. We never heard him complain dahil naniwala siyang sa pagyakap at pagkarga na ng sarili niya Krus, naririyan ang Diyos para tulungan siya. Hindi-hindi tayo bibigyan ng Diyos ng isang problema kung alam niyang hindi natin malalampasan ito. Carrying our crosses is part of our lives as Christians. We all have to embrace our own crosses, para makibahagi sa sakit, at pagdurusang napagdaan ni Kristo. The crosses we endured will determine our place in heaven. Sa bawat paghihirap, pagdurusa, at pasakit na ating lalampasan. ...
It is an indispensable condition for our salvation.
What Does ‘Take Up Your Cross’ Mean? In olden times, the cross is a symbol of opposition, shame, suffering and death. Kapag ikaw ay pinako sa Krus, ikaw ay ituturing isang kriminal. Kapag-ikaw ay pinako sa Krus paniguradong nakahubo’t hubad sa publiko at magtitiis sa kahihiyan sa harap ng marami. Kapag-ikaw ay pinako sa Krus, ikaw ay magdurusa sa sakit ng mga sugat sa iyong kamay ang mga paa. Kapag ikaw ay pinako na sa krus, tiyak na ikaw ay hahantung na sa iyong kamatayan. It is indeed horrible to be crucified. So, cross itself was a negative sign in the world, it is a total/ complete degration to the dignity of any person who will be crucified. Sa sitwasyon ni Hesus, walang duda na siya ay tagalang pinahirapan, tinuring na Kriminal, pinahiya, hinayaang magdusa, at malagutan ng hininga. But, Christ made use of the cross in a much different perspective.
The sufferings and shame attached to our cross perfects God’s grace.
Not anymore of opposition, shame, suffering and death, Jesus made the cross the symbol of glory and triumph. An excerpt from a homily by Saint John Chrysostom would tell us that “All this was the glorious result of the cross. The cross is our trophy raised against the demons, our sword against sin, and the sword Christ used to pierce the serpent. The cross is the Father’s will, the glory of the Only-begotten, the joy of the Spirit, the pride of the angels, the guarantee of the Church, St. Paul’s boast, the bulwark of the saints, and the light of the entire world.” It’s carrying our crosses which will lead us to holiness and victory in heaven. Matapos niyang pasanin ang krus, naging daan ito para masakatuparan ang propesiya at masunod ang kalooban ng Diyos Ama na siya dumaan sa mga kamay ng Hudio at harapin ang hatol ng kamamatay sa krus. Sa pamamagitan ng Krus tayo ay nailigtas. Sa pamamagitan ng Krus tayo ay maililigtas. Ang Krus ay hindi na dapat katakotan, ikahiya, o panindirian. Ang Krus ang siyang magiging simbolo ng pagmahahal, kapatawaran, pag-asa at kaligtasan na hatid ng Diyos sa ating lahat.
The apostles themselves had their bear their own crosses under the form of scorn, hatred, ridicule and mockery they received from the unbelievers. Matapos umakyat si Hesus sa langit at naiwan ang mga apostoles sa mundo, hindi nakawala ang mga apostoles sa mga pangugutya, pagpapahirap, pambubugbog ng mga Pariseo at nga mga tao. One episode in the gospel would even narrate that they were put prison, ikinulong sila, because of preaching their faith. They even went through a marytr’s death. Meron sa kanilang binalatan ng buhay, pinako sa krus si San Pedro/ St. Peter ng nakabaliktad. St. James the Elder was beheaded with a sword. St. Andrew was crucified on a X-shaped cross. Every one who followed the Lord had faced persecutions. And even if our crosses are painful we have to embrace it with joy because “the Lord disciples the one he loves and chastens everyone he accepets as his son” (Hebrews 12: 6) Those who belong to Christ will be hated by the world and that we should accept. But Jesus guarantees us to persevere and endure for his own sake, because the sacrifice we make for Christ will be rewarded in the end.
Sa bawat hamon na haharapin, at sa tuwing tayo ay nadadapa, kinakailangang tumayo agad agad at ipagpatuloy ang laban ng buhay. In the long run, we will be wounded, we will get hurt, be discouraged at some point. But we have to show the same attitude the apostles showed in the face of challenges. Kahit ilang beses silang napahiya, kinutya, sinaktan, inapi sa ngalang ng pananampalataya, nagpatuloy pa rin sila, nanatiling tapat at maligaya sa pagtugon nila kay Kristo. We should be like the apostles, we have to persevere like a seed. Pilit man tayog ibaon ng iba sa lupa, patuloy pa rin sa paglago.
Now, I want you to think about the different crosses (problems, struggles, sufferings) you have carried in you life? What could be the heaviest so far? Have you ever experienced being caught up in opposition, shame, suffering and death? How did you overcome such experiences? What attitude do you show in the face of your cross? How are you addressing your problems? Do you bear your cross with patience, endurance, joy and hope? Or do you often complain and whine to God about them?
Lastly, Apostleship demands witnessing to Christ. Every baptized Christian is called to be a living witness. What does witnessing means? Well, to give witness to Christ means simply to tell people about Christ with a view to convince them to accept. Witnessing Christ to someone means youre trying to introduce, the individual/ person to the Lord Jesus Christ, who took the form of man and freed man forever. Witnessing is a vital part of the Christian life. The Bible teachers that the true believer will desire to share with others what God has done for him. God empowers us and commands us to be His witnesses (Matthew 4: 19 and Acts 1: 8) witnessing ay ang pagsasabuhay ng mga turo ni Kristo at maipakita sa iba ang pagkatao ni Kristo sa atin salita at sa gawa.
How do you witness to God? Do you stand on behalf of Christ to others? Do people see you as a threat or an obstacle from reaching holiness? Are you able to represent the goodness, forgiveness and humility of Christ everywhere you go? Do people feel the presence of Christ in you?
For the next activity, I want you to group yourselves into six and share your insights, thoughts and personal assessment on the things we have talked about for today. I provided you a list of points to consider and you can draw out your sharing from any of the aspects presented in your hand-out.
God calls you to a certain purpose. We have our own tasks to fulfill and accomplish. We have our own part of the whole service to the Church. What you choose to be becomes a part of the whole service to the Church! Some are called for different reasons, with different missions, professions and occupations either way, whatever you are, once you are called, respond to it! Because our calling is your service to the Lord.
You need not to be a priest or a nun to say that you are responding to the call of God because He can call you to whatever profession or occupation he wants you to have. God may planned you to be a doctor, an engineer, a nurse, an architect, a police, a president, a governor, a soldier whatever, always remember that What you choose to be becomes a part of the whole service to the Church! Kung ano man tayo sa in the future, God wants us to help and share our talents for the development of faith and pleases God.
Spread the message of positivity and love everywhere
Despite imperfections still strive to become better each day
Become spiritual leaders and influencers in the society
Joyfully bear our crosses and sufferings in the light of our faith
Selflessly render service to people in most need of it
Give up everything and make sacrifices for the sake of loved ones
Become living witnesses of Jesus Christ.
Every Christian is called to Apostleship. Bawat isa sa atin ay tinatawag ng Diyos na sundin ang yapak ni Hesus. We are called to become messengers of the Good news, to influence the people sin goodness, to bear our crosses with joy as we share the sufferings of Christ, to offer ourselves selflessly in service to others, and to give witness of Christ in the lives of the people. We can be an apostle too in our own ways, we can be an apostle in terms of the kind of messages we communicate to people, in the exercise of our leadership in class or in school, in the attitude we show in bearing our crosses, in offering selfless service to others in need and in witnessing to the presence of Christ for the whole world to see. Through these ways, we can be an apostle.
