When we talk about the role of the apostles in the Church, it is essential to understand that every apostle is, first and foremost, a disciple. This means that, regardless of the special calling they received from Christ, the apostles were also dedicated and committed followers of the Master.
They not only heard the words of Jesus, but also lived according to his teachings, bearing witness to his message with unwavering faith.
Like the disciples, the apostles were personally chosen by Jesus to play a fundamental role in spreading the Gospel and building up the Church.
They were called to bear witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, sharing the Good News with the entire world.
Their mission was so important that, even after Jesus’ ascension, the apostles continued to spread his message and establish communities of faith in different regions.
A Disciple is an apprentice, the people of God
When I think of being a disciple, the first image that comes to mind is that of someone who is constantly learning and growing. Being a disciple is not only following the teachings of Jesus, but also being an eternal apprentice, always seeking to grow in faith and knowledge of God.
As a disciple, I am part of the people of God, a community of believers who seek to live according to the will of the Lord. We are like a big family, united by our love for Christ and our desire to follow his teachings.
It is important to remember that being a disciple does not mean being perfect, but rather being willing to learn and striving to live according to the principles of the Gospel. It is a path of constant conversion and spiritual growth.
An Apostle is chosen and has successors (the Bishops)
When we talk about the apostles, it is important to highlight that they are chosen in a special way. They do not appoint themselves, but are selected and called by God to play a fundamental role in the propagation of the gospel and in the leadership of the Church.
The apostles were designated by Jesus Christ to be his representatives and witnesses, and they are invested with spiritual authority to fulfill this mission. They are sent to preach, teach, heal and establish the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit.
In addition, the apostles have successors, known as bishops, who continue the apostolic mission of teaching, sanctifying and governing the Church.
Bishops are the guardians of the faith and unity of the Christian community, and their authority derives from the apostolic succession, which goes back to the first apostles chosen by Jesus.
Therefore, the figure of the apostle and his successors, the bishops, plays a vital role in the transmission of the faith and the spiritual guidance of the people of God throughout history.
