the twelve

The Catechism tackles “the crowning truth of our faith in Christ,” “the central truth by the first Christian community,” Jesus’ bodily resurrection from the dead. Fr. Mike makes sure we understand that Christ’ resurrection cannot be interpreted as a legend or a metaphor, but as a true, historical fact. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 638-644. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy If you have found this podcast to be helpful in your faith life and would like to help us continue bringing this Catholic media to as many people as possible, please consider making an ongoing financial gift at ascensionpress.com/support. Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

Jesus continues to tell His disciples that He will be leaving them, leaving the world, and going to the Father. His desire is that they have peace, that is an inner peace, since being in the world they will experience tribulation. Now, hearing this, Jesus’ followers are quick to speak to Him of their loyalty and know for sure that Jesus is sent by God. The Twelve profess faith in Jesus who then tells them that a time is coming when they will be scattered and all go back to their homes. However, He lets them know that He has overcome the world.

Pastor Matt show us through Judas’s story that there is a big difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus. We learn that Satan actively pursues those who show interest in Jesus, and if we are not in relationship with Christ, we are vulnerable, even before those closest to us notice. Jesus wants a relationship with us so that we might be saved. Do you have questions, or would like to talk to someone about what being in relationship with Jesus means? Then great! Take the next step and visit burnthickory.com/next or text “next” to 678-506-2462 to get answers. Luke 6:12-16: 12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Pastor Matt points out that when we follow Jesus at a distance, mask our identity to fit in with the crowd we are approaching denying Christ. But it’s not fatal when we fall toward Jesus. Can people look at you and know that you have been with Jesus? Maybe you’ve slipped into not placing your full identity in Jesus or you have questions about what it means to follow Him. Take the next step and reach out to one of our pastors - https://www.burnthickory.com/next Matt. 16:13-19 13 “…Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matt 16:21-23 21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Luke 22:31-34 31“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.

Pastor Matt shous us that we also don’t need all the answers, especially to answer Jesus’ call, lead others to Him, or to even meet people’s needs in His name. Don’t let your lack of knowledge stand in the way of walking in faith and obedience.

This week we see that not only do we see that the twelve disciples are ordinary, we also learn just as they faced opposition, we will too. Satan attempts to convince us that our shortcomings make us useless to Jesus. John MacArther puts it this way - “God chooses the humble, the lowly, the meek and the weak so that there is never any question about the source of power when their lives change the world." We also see the journey all disciples of Christ make is a never-ending circle that brings our focus back to Jesus and draws people along with us in growing closer to Him. 1. We are introduced to Jesus 2. We are called to an intimate relationship with Jesus 3. We are taught the principles of Godly living 4. We are mentored in living the life of a servant of Jesus 5. We are transformed by the Holy Spirit 6. We are sent to engage in the mission of Jesus

On this week's episode we are starting a new theme for May, this month's theme is Awesome Book Series. This week is all about Justin Cronin's The Passage Trilogy.

 

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