Jesus’ Life: Chapter 4 – Jesus’ Ministry In Galilee (Part 1)
Have you put any teams together recently? Maybe a sports team, or perhaps you are planning your own business and had a few thoughts about who you would most like to have on the Board of Executives.
Jesus needed helpers to spread his Word. He knew his life would be short so, he had to quickly appoint and teach others who would continue his work after his crucifixion and Ascension to Heaven. He was looking for a strong team of willing, able and skilled people who could spread his Gospel.
The twelve that he chose were given the title Apostles; the first Christian Missionaries. Their leader was Simon Peter, a fisherman. Among the remainder, there were six more fishermen, a tax collector whose title infers that he extorted money from travellers, and a Zealot, whose job was to create “uprisings” among the Jewish people!
Despite the Apostles apparently questionable credentials, they sacrificed their Jewish faith and followed Jesus. Only one failed, Judas who betrayed Jesus’ whereabouts to the Jews. The remaining eleven gave their lives to cast a worldwide net and bring the Gospel of Jesus to all continents. Their faith remained firm.
Today, Christianity has spread to 2.2 of the worlds 7.4 billion people. Its continued spread is now in our hands. (Matthew 4:18-22)
Thought
It’s a commonly used phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. Some of the most successful people to walk this earth, had no wealth or College Degrees, including Jesus and the Apostles.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, we pray that more people will listen to your call to become Priests and Religious. May the light of your Word gladden their hearts and give them direction.
Prayer: Priests and Religious
St Paul, guide all priests and religious.
Help them realise that their actions
speak louder than any words.
Teach them to use their talents
to convey God’s message
but, to rely above all,
on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
