SCIC Feast Day 6: Apostleship

Today marks the final day celebration of the feast of St Jacques Chastan & Laurent Imbert. Today’s mass was presided by Fr. Martin with the focus on Apostleship.

In recapping several points on Discipleship, Fr. Martin stated 3 points, firstly to strive to imitate Jesus in His virtues and way of life. Secondly, to have total commitment in Jesus putting him first in our lives and thirdly to allow Jesus to dwell in us.

In explaining who is an Apostle, Fr. Martin gave an excellent example of Mary of Magdala who was initially possessed by demons but later followed Jesus loyally throughout His mission where she grew from deliverance to devotion.

Her devotion is then turned to dedication as she continues to follow Jesus till His resurrection and even when the journey was rough, she was present with His Disciples where she remained and followed Jesus.

Fr. Martin further explained of her determination and how Jesus commissioned her to tell all the disciples of His resurrection. It is significant to note that Mary of Magdala was a witness of His crucifixion, burial and she was also the first person to see the Risen Jesus.

Mary of Magdala was also known as the Apostle to the Apostles and she is a role model in serving Jesus faithfully regardless of social status. From a sinner, she moved towards in devoting herself to Jesus even after His death, following and serving Him.

Likewise, it is seen in lives of Sts Chastan and Imbert who had left their home countries and became active missionaries. Fr mentioned that in following Jesus, we can come to know the faith and move towards the inner circle of Jesus.

On an ending note, Fr said that to be an Apostle, is to be another Christ. He also quoted St. Paul saying that “Christ is Love” and Jesus taught us “as I love you, you also must love others”.