Apostolate 1: Introduction and bible
Apostolate
The word “Apostolate” comes from “apostle”, which means “sent”. Either we are apostles, carry on the mission entrusted to us by somebody else, or what we do is not apostolate.
Apostles: let us see what the gospel of Mark says (3:13-15): “He chose 12 of them to:
To stay with him
To be sent
To proclaim
To have power over the devil
The number 4 refers directly to our social activities in which we fight against the structures of evil, and of course the forms of it can change as much as possible because the needs of people change; but this point has to keep always present the other three and be based on them and at the service of them. The first three will never be changed and if they are not present than we do not have apostolate but a mere social work.
How Jesus did apostolate
Mk 6:34 “He felt pity on them”. Fully concentrating in it because of love. Mt 15:32: he is the one who does everything for them
He felt pity because they were like sheep without shepherd, so they are in need of a guide, of God, before being in need of bread.
Mk 6: the miracle of the multiplication of bread is prepared and concluded by prayer
The miracles are always at the service of the preaching, of the salvation.
If the apostolate is always at the service of saving people, when does Jesus really save them? On the cross, when he gives himself for the people, when he suffers and dies for them. The other miracles give only temporary solutions (people get sick again, and die again).
What did Jesus say about apostolate
Let us analyze step by step the chapter 10 of Matthew.
Jesus calls
Jesus gives the authority (provides with the skills)
List of the apostles: they are not exactly the best or the most suitable. It is the famous say: “Jesus does not choose the skilled but gives skills to those he chooses”.
Formation is an important part. He formed them for three years with small periods of experience like this in the ch.10.
Limited mission at the service of the coming visit of Jesus, useful also for their formation. The real mission of the apostle will come only after Pentecost.
Main duty of apostolate is “proclaim the good news that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near”.
The social activities are an important part of the mission.
The apostolate is not going to make you rich or successful
At the same time apostolate does not need you to be rich: trust in Providence.
Work with people, cooperate, make use of their help but be careful in choosing with whom you cooperate.
Distribute your peace to everybody but it is up to them to accept it or not.
What can I expect during the apostolate:
I am sending you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Apostolate is never easy and never safe. So difficulties are never a reason for rejecting apostolate
Be clever, not stupid but honest; no cheating
Persecutions are not opposite to witness but the highest moment of witness.
The assistance of the Holy Spirit is a fact which cannot be denied and moments of persecutions are actually the moments in which to work more.
Incomprehensions and rejections may come even from Superiors, and those moments are the most painful ones.
You may have to give up a place but not the mission. Accept partial defeats, but not the total defeat. Have a more global vision.
We cannot put ourselves above God (see our decisions making, honour seeking etc.)
Calumny will be there as it was with Jesus.
During persecutions do not be afraid. The truth will come out.
Be afraid, instead, of those who take away our spirituality, not of those who are against material tings.
God knows everything and will take care of everything.
The real success is not here on earth but in the eternal life.
Sometimes our apostolate may cause divisions and troubles, if it is true to itself.
Whenever is the matter of making decisions, nothing should be put in front of God. Spiritual goods should come first.
Have always the image of the crucified Christ in front of you.
Those who find their life (career, fulfillment, etc.) will lose it; those who give it up for the sake of apostolate, obedience, poverty etc. will be the successful ones.