Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk

Being an apostle involves suffering, but it also involves sharing the mission and the blessings of the Lord. In what ways am I an apostle?

Just as Jesus will survive the persecution that he must endure, so also will his disciples. The message of the kingdom still elicits hostility today. And Jesus still promises us his protection.

One might expect that the kingdom would be received with openness and joy. But instead proclaiming the kingdom brings hostility and rejection. How does that affect my witness to the kingdom?

The apostles’ activity was to be directed to the basic message of Jesus’ preaching: the kingdom is at hand. All of us are messengers of the kingdom. How devoted are we to that mission?

Jesus gathers a special group of his followers representing the twelve tribes of Israel. They were a sign that a new chosen people was being formed.

Jesus is an agent of the compassion and mercy of the Father. His works and words are expressions of the love of God toward his human creatures.

Jesus exercises power over death and illness. Calmly, effortlessly he cures the sick and raises the dead. In the midst of ferment he puts things right then and now.