The Modern-Day Apostle

Monday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
Feast Day of Saints Simon and Jude

Gospel of Luke 6:12-16

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and  spent the night in prayer to God.  When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve....

Christ relied heavily on prayer in his discernment process. What was his Apostle selection criteria?    He did not choose Apostles based on wealth, pedigree, education, or political clout.  Jesus chose twelve men who were not only friends but strongly believed in his message.  He knew these common fishers of men would play significant roles in flourishing Christianity.  The Catholic Church still stands today as a testament to the Twelve Apostles' dedication, service, and loyalty spreading Christ's Word.

We may think of the modern-day apostle as a vowed religious with high authority such as Pope Francis, Cardinals, or Bishops.  We may ignorantly assume our priests are the only ones "called" to be Jesus' apostles.  On the contrary, all of us as a part of our Baptism are "called" to spread the good news to others.  We may not think we have the power to do much good to change circumstances around us.  We may slothfully reject the idea of apostleship as something too controversial, too demanding, and too out of sync with cultural realities.  In the wake of extreme anti-religious sentiment throughout the world, it's paramount each one of us as Christians act the part as a modern-day apostle.

Here are ways we can become a "Modern-Day Apostle" in our everyday actions:

• Pray for the healthy and safety of others even our enemies or those who do not believe in God.  Pray for the conversion of the human heart.
• Respect the dignity of all life from the womb to the tomb.  This includes the unborn, the sick, and even the incarcerated. Treat all life as one of God's sacred vessels. 
• Witness to others in our actions and our words.  Lead by holy example.
•  Serve those who may be in need including the homeless, the hungry, the immigrant, the abused and neglected.  Don't pass up an opportunity to attend to the needs of the poor.
• Preach Christ's message to others by sharing bible passages, recommending Christian writers, volunteering as a catechist, or giving a presentation in front of a church group.
• Welcome newcomers to the Catholic Church by inviting them to attend Mass or a parish social function.  
• Learn about the Lives of the Saints.  It's amazing how much of what they struggled with is still true today.
• Study Holy Scripture, The Catechism, Papal Encyclicals, and  Theological references.  Staying well-educated is important when people begin to question the Church's more controversial teachings.

How important it is to remain spiritually vigilant and grounded.  The Devil is always finding hidden opportunities to trip up Christ's disciples.  A frequent examination of conscience along with Confession is a great way of keeping evil temptations at bay.  A Modern-Day Apostle's job is not easy.  It takes  tremendous devotion, sacrifice, and perseverance to trek through troubled waters and effectively minister to others.

Saint Simon and Jude, Pray for Us!

-J.