THE TWELVE APOSTLES

Friday of the Third week in Ordinary Time Year C Mark 3:13-19 Our gospel speaks about the calling of the Twelve apostles. These twelve guys were very “ordinary” men. Some of them were known as public sinners. Others were uneducated. Some were trouble makers and most of them were insignificant fishermen. The following are the names of the apostles: Peter- outspoken, opinionated person. He acts without thinking. He is always “on the go.” He was known as “the denial king.” He denied Jesus thrice. Matthew (Levi)- dishonest man. He was a corrupt tax collector. Extortionist. As a tax collector, he was known as “beast in human form.” Bartholomew (Nathaniel)- He had issues with prejudice. He was biased with people from Nazareth. Very judgmental in person but brutally honest. James and John- They were known as “sons of thunder.” They possessed a violent temper. They asked for rain of fire to destroy those who refused to believe the Messiah. They were also ambitious. They asked for a place of special prominence. On the positive note James was a man of courage and forgiveness, a man without jealousy, living in the shadow of John, a man of extraordinary faith. While John was known as the most “beloved disciple.” Philip- He was a man with a warm heart and a pessimistic head. He was one who would very much like to do something for others, but who did not see how it could be done. He was timid too. Andrew- Inquisitive. He was optimistic and well content in second place. His main purpose in life was to bring others to the master. Thomas Didymus- Skeptical in person. “To see is to believe” was his driving philosophy in life. He was known as the “doubter.” James the less-the most obscure apostle. He was a man of strong character and one of the most fiery type. James Thaddeus -characterized as a tender-hearted, gentle man who displayed childlike humility. Jude Alpheus- the least of all the apostles”; he knew it and felt cheerful about it. Simon the Zealot- Revolutionary, idealistic and proud person. He loves riot and mutiny. Judas- He loves money more than people. He was known as the traitor the one who betrayed Jesus with a kiss. What is interesting to note is this: Amidst of the 12 apostles' weaknesses they were called by Jesus. They were chosen and commissioned. Humanly speaking they don't possess good qualifications but God qualifies them. Jesus loves to qualify the unqualified. Perfection is not a requirement to follow God. Today, do not wait until you feel qualified to do what God is calling you to do. Our God has the habit of picking up nobodies to be somebody. The ability to serve God is not based on our ability but according to God’s will. Like the Twelve Apostles we are called to be with Jesus. We are sent to preach the good news and commissioned to cast out demons. NB: Our first reading is telling us to do good even if others hates you. The greatest blessing in life is receiving it from an enemy. In short, the password of an overflowing blessing is receiving it from someone who does not like you. When your enemy will bless you, it will make you great. Bless and pray for your persecutors. Do well to those who wish you ill. Blessings Fr. Jhack

PRAY CONSTANTLY

Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time Year C Mark 3:13-19 In today’s gospel Jesus chose twelve among his disciples to make them his closer companions. However before naming them He spent the whole night in the mountain to pray. This is to show us that prayer is very important in our relationship with God. Friends, before you decide anything, do not start without first consulting God in prayer. Pray then decide. Dont decide then prayed after. Pray then go to work. Do not do the opposite. A day without prayer is like a day without a blessing; and a life without prayer is like a life without power. Today we are called by God to be men and women of prayer. You know what, sometimes all it takes is just one prayer to change eveything. Brethren, find your mountain and spend your moment there with God. The more time we spent with God, the more we resemble Him. Today turn your worries into worship and watch God turns your battles into blessings. Finally, like the disciples we are summoned not only to call people to repentance but to change ourselves too. Friends, the sun may rise tomorrow but you may not. Repent today! The most beautiful blessings we have been given is the chance to repent. Remember this: repentance is not a punishment but a privilege. Blessings Fr. Jhack