Jesus Calls His Apostles & Related Devotions

Distinction Between “Disciple” and “Apostle”

• Disciple (Latin “Discipulus”)

  • Literally “pupil,” “learner of the master.”

  • A broad term: all apostles are disciples, but not all disciples are apostles.

• Apostle (Greek “apostolos”)

  • Literally “one who is sent out.”

  • A commissioned person entrusted with a special task: continuing Jesus’ own mission.

Christian Discipleship: Identity, Mission, & Cost

• A Christian disciple is a follower-app (apprentice) of Jesus.

• Core destiny: spread the “Good News” (Gospel) of God.

• Expected to face:

  • Sacrifices

  • Challenges

  • Aversions (personal and social)

  • Persecutions

• Ethical/Practical implication: discipleship demands readiness for loss, rejection, and martyr-like commitment.

The Twelve and Their Successors

• Jesus originally chose twelve men (symbolic of the 12 tribes of Israel); each was to be a foundation‐stone of the Church.

• Simon Peter (Leader)

  • First listed in every biblical catalogue of apostles.

  • Assigned the “keys” symbolizing governance (connection to later papal office).

• James the Less (a.k.a. James son of Alphaeus)

  • “Least known” among the Twelve; present in the Upper Room.

  • Tradition: beaten, stoned, then clubbed to death ("blow to the head").

• Simon the Zealot

  • Mentioned only three times in the Gospels.

  • Nickname reflects former membership in the Zealot movement (Jewish nationalist resistance).

  • Martyred by crucifixion.

• Thaddeus (Jude, son of James)

  • Part of a “triumvirate” of lesser‐known apostles.

  • Described as tender‐hearted; patron of hopeless causes in later devotion.

  • Tradition: martyred by volleys of arrows.

• Judas Iscariot

  • Functioned as the purse‐keeper (treasurer) for the group.

  • Betrayed Jesus with a kiss; received 30 pieces of silver (fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy).

  • Overcome by remorse; committed suicide.

• Matthias

  • Chosen after Judas’ death (Acts 1) by casting lots in the Upper Room—only apostle not personally picked by Jesus.

  • Preached in Judea; traditions vary: stoned, then beheaded.

Role of the Apostles in the Early Church

• Organizers of nascent Christian communities.

• Guardians of the “treasure of the Gospel.”

• Passed on teaching via preaching, liturgy, and eventually New Testament writings.

• Their martyrdoms authenticated the message—ethical implication: leadership equals service unto death.

Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary (Added by St. John Paul II, 2002)

• Focus on pivotal public‐ministry events that “shine light” on Jesus’ identity.

• Prayed on Thursdays (faith‐practice linkage: encourages weekly meditation).

  1. The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan

  2. The Wedding at Cana

  3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God

  4. The Transfiguration

  5. The Institution of the Eucharist

How to Pray the (Traditional) Rosary

1. Sign of the Cross

2. Apostles’ Creed (proclamation of core Christian beliefs; ties back to apostolic authority)

3. Our Father (one)

4. Hail Mary (three)—often dedicated to an increase in faith, hope, and charity

5. Glory Be (doxology giving Trinitarian praise)

Connections & Significance

• Historical continuity: From Jesus ➔ Apostles ➔ Church; authority and teaching trace through apostolic succession.

• Discipleship vs. Apostolate: Every believer is called to be a disciple; some receive distinct commissioning (clergy, missionaries, laity in specialized ministries).

• Liturgical practice (Rosary): Engages memory of salvation history, unites believers globally, and reinforces catechesis on Christ’s life.

• Ethical takeaway: Authentic following demands willingness to be “sent” despite hardship, mirroring apostolic sacrifices.