12 Apostles

THE TWELVE APOSTLES
FIRST SUNDAY OF KAITHA

Theme: The Apostolic Foundation of the Church, the Fruits of Missionary Labor, and Our Call to Christian Witness

INTRODUCTION

The Syro-Malabar Church celebrates the Feast of the Twelve Apostles on the First Sunday of Kaitha, also known as the Season of Summer or Harvest. This feast honors the twelve men whom Jesus personally chose to accompany Him, learn from His teachings, witness His miracles, and continue His saving mission after His Resurrection.

The apostles were ordinary people with different backgrounds, personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. Some were fishermen, one was a tax collector, and others came from different walks of life. Jesus transformed them into courageous witnesses of His Gospel and entrusted them with the responsibility of establishing and guiding His Church.

The Feast of the Twelve Apostles has special significance in the Syro-Malabar tradition because the Church traces its apostolic origin to St. Thomas, one of the Twelve, who according to ancient tradition brought the Gospel to India.

The feast also marks the beginning of the Season of Kaitha, which celebrates the spiritual harvest produced through the missionary activities of the apostles and their successors. Their preaching, sacrifices, and martyrdom became the foundation for the growth of Christian communities throughout the world.

This celebration invites us to reflect on the apostolic foundation of the Church, the meaning of apostolic succession, the missionary responsibility of every baptized Christian, and the spiritual fruits that our lives should produce.

The central message is that the Church must remain firmly rooted in the faith of the apostles and continue producing the fruits of holiness, unity, charity, and evangelization.

BIBLE PASSAGES

First Reading: Gen 35:23–29 — The Twelve Sons of Jacob

The twelve sons of Jacob became the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their number represents the fullness of God’s covenant people in the Old Testament. Jesus’ selection of twelve apostles symbolizes the formation of the renewed people of God.

Second Reading: Jos 4:1–9 — Twelve Stones as a Memorial

After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, Joshua instructed twelve men, one from each tribe, to collect stones as a memorial of God’s saving action. These twelve stones remind future generations of God’s faithfulness. Similarly, the Twelve Apostles became the foundational witnesses of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ.

Third Reading: Rev 21:9–21 — The Twelve Foundations of the Heavenly Jerusalem

St. John describes the heavenly Jerusalem with twelve gates bearing the names of Israel’s tribes and twelve foundations bearing the names of the apostles of the Lamb. The vision reveals the enduring significance of the apostles in God’s plan of salvation.

Gospel: Mt 10:1–15 — Jesus Chooses and Sends the Twelve Apostles

Jesus gives the Twelve authority to proclaim the Kingdom of God, heal the sick, and deliver people from evil. He instructs them to carry out their mission with simplicity, generosity, trust in God, and concern for others.

The Syro-Malabar liturgical calendar also provides another set of readings for this celebration: 1 Kgs 18:30–39, Acts 5:12–20, 1 Cor 1:9–16, and Lk 14:7–14. These emphasize the unity of God’s people, the power of apostolic witness, and the humility required of Christ’s disciples.

WHAT IS THE SEASON OF KAITHA?

The Syriac word Kaitha means summer. In the East Syriac liturgical tradition, the season is associated with harvesting and gathering fruits.

The Season of Apostles, which precedes Kaitha, emphasizes the missionary activity of the apostles after Pentecost. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they traveled to different regions, proclaimed the Gospel, established Christian communities, and appointed leaders.

Kaitha emphasizes the results of those missionary activities. Just as a farmer plants seeds and later gathers the harvest, the Church celebrates the spiritual fruits produced through apostolic preaching and faithful Christian witness.

These fruits include the growth of Christian communities, the conversion of believers, the development of holiness, the witness of martyrs, and the establishment of charitable and missionary institutions.

The Season of Kaitha ordinarily lasts seven weeks. During this period, the Syro-Malabar Church remembers saints, missionaries, and martyrs whose lives contributed to the growth of Christianity.

The season also reminds us that the Church must continue producing spiritual fruits. Its growth should not be measured merely through buildings, institutions, financial resources, or the number of members. The deeper measure of its fruitfulness is the holiness, faith, charity, and missionary commitment of its members.

The Feast of the Twelve Apostles appropriately begins this season because their witness laid the foundation for the Church’s spiritual harvest.

WHY IS THE FEAST ALSO CALLED NUSARDEL?

The Feast of the Twelve Apostles is also known in the East Syriac liturgical tradition as Nusardel or Noosardel. The Syro-Malabar liturgical calendar identifies this traditional designation with the Feast of God.

The name is associated with the commemoration of the apostles who were chosen by Jesus Christ and entrusted with His divine mission.

The feast is not intended to glorify the apostles independently of God. Rather, it gives thanks to God for calling them, empowering them through the Holy Spirit, and establishing His Church upon their apostolic witness. Their greatness comes from their relationship with Christ and their faithful response to His mission.

WHY DID JESUS CHOOSE TWELVE APOSTLES?

The number twelve has profound biblical significance. In the Old Testament, Jacob, who was also called Israel, had twelve sons. Their descendants became the twelve tribes of Israel, representing the covenant people of God.

By choosing twelve apostles, Jesus symbolically established the renewed people of God gathered around Himself. His mission fulfills God’s promises to Israel and opens the way for salvation to be proclaimed to all nations.

The number twelve therefore represents more than a convenient arrangement of disciples. It expresses continuity between God’s covenant with Israel and the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. This connection is emphasized in the readings from Genesis, Joshua, and Revelation.

The twelve sons of Jacob represent the beginnings of Israel. The twelve memorial stones of Joshua recall God’s saving faithfulness to His people. The twelve foundations of the heavenly Jerusalem represent the apostolic foundation of the Church.

In the New Testament, Jesus is the foundation’s ultimate source and the cornerstone of the Church (Eph 2:19–22). The apostles serve as foundational witnesses because they were personally chosen and commissioned by Him.

WHO WERE THE TWELVE APOSTLES?

The Gospel of Matthew identifies the Twelve as Simon Peter and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, also known as the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus (Mt 10:2–4).

The apostolic lists in the New Testament contain some variations in names and designations, but they refer to the same foundational group.

Peter became the leading figure among the apostles. Jesus entrusted him with a special responsibility for strengthening his brothers and shepherding His flock.

Andrew, Peter’s brother, is remembered for bringing others to Jesus. His example reminds us that evangelization often begins with a personal invitation.

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, belonged to the group of disciples who witnessed important events such as the Transfiguration. James later became the first of the Twelve whose martyrdom is explicitly recorded in Acts (Acts 12:1–2).

Philip and Bartholomew are remembered in the apostolic tradition as witnesses who helped proclaim the Gospel.

Thomas holds a special place in the Syro-Malabar Church because of the ancient tradition connecting his missionary work with the origins of Christianity in India.

Matthew, formerly a tax collector, reminds us that Jesus calls people from different backgrounds and transforms their lives through grace.

James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus; and Simon the Zealot remind us that some apostles are less prominently described in Scripture, yet each participated in the mission entrusted by Christ.

Judas Iscariot tragically betrayed Jesus. After his death, Matthias was chosen to take his place among the Twelve (Acts 1:15–26).

St. Paul was also an apostle, personally called by the risen Christ, although he was not one of the original Twelve.

The different backgrounds and experiences of the apostles demonstrate that God does not choose people simply because of worldly status, wealth, education, or social influence. He calls them according to His purpose and transforms them through His grace.

The second reading describes Joshua instructing the Israelites to gather twelve stones from the Jordan River after crossing into the Promised Land. These stones were intended to become a permanent reminder of God’s saving action. Joshua specifically instructed the people to explain their meaning to future generations when children asked about them. This provides a beautiful connection with the Feast of the Twelve Apostles.

The apostles became living witnesses to the saving work of Jesus Christ. They proclaimed His teachings, witnessed His Resurrection, and handed down the faith to future generations. Just as the twelve stones reminded Israel of God’s faithfulness, the apostolic foundation of the Church reminds Christians of the saving work of Jesus.

This reading also teaches the importance of religious education. Parents and catechists must explain the meaning of Christian faith to children. Our churches, sacraments, symbols, and traditions should not become meaningless customs. They must help future generations understand what God has accomplished through Jesus Christ.

THE TWELVE APOSTLES AND THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM (REV 21:9–21)

The Book of Revelation presents a magnificent vision of the heavenly Jerusalem. The city has twelve gates bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel and twelve foundations bearing the names of the apostles of the Lamb. This image connects the Old and New Testaments within God’s one plan of salvation.

The twelve tribes represent the covenant people of the Old Testament, while the twelve apostles represent the foundational witnesses of the Church established through Christ. The heavenly Jerusalem symbolizes the fulfillment of God’s saving plan and the eternal communion of His people.

The apostles are described as foundations not because they independently created the Church, but because Jesus chose them as witnesses of His saving mission. The Church remains apostolic when it faithfully preserves their teaching, sacramental life, and missionary responsibility. The vision also reminds us that the Church’s ultimate destination is heaven. Its earthly mission prepares people for eternal communion with God.

GOSPEL INTERPRETATION: MATTHEW 10:1–15

1. Jesus Calls the Twelve to Himself (Mt 10:1)

The Gospel begins with Jesus gathering His twelve disciples. Their vocation begins with a personal relationship with Him. Before they are sent to preach, they are called to remain close to their Master.

Christian ministry must follow the same pattern. We cannot effectively proclaim someone whom we do not know or love. Priests, religious, catechists, parents, and lay missionaries must cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments. The quality of our missionary witness depends upon the depth of our communion with Christ.

2. Jesus Gives Them Authority (Mt 10:1)

Jesus gives the apostles authority over evil spirits and power to heal diseases. Their authority is not independent of Christ. It is a gift entrusted to them for the service of others. This teaches us that spiritual authority within the Church should always be exercised as service.

Church leaders are called to protect, guide, strengthen, and care for God’s people. Authority becomes spiritually fruitful when it reflects the humility and compassion of Jesus.

3. Jesus Chooses Ordinary People (Mt 10:2–4)

The list of the apostles includes people from different backgrounds and personalities. Some were fishermen, while Matthew had been a tax collector. The apostles were not free from weaknesses, misunderstandings, or failures. Peter denied Jesus, Thomas struggled with doubt, and the disciples frequently misunderstood His teachings. Yet Jesus continued forming them and prepared them for their mission.

Their lives remind us that holiness does not require a perfect beginning. God can transform ordinary people who respond faithfully to His grace.

4. Jesus Sends Them on Mission (Mt 10:5–7)

Jesus instructs the apostles to proclaim the nearness of the Kingdom of Heaven. During this initial mission, He directs them particularly toward the people of Israel. This reflects the historical progression of God’s saving plan. Jesus fulfills the promises made to Israel, and after His Resurrection, the apostolic mission is extended to all nations (Mt 28:18–20).

The Church therefore understands evangelization as a universal responsibility. Every person should have the opportunity to encounter the saving love of Jesus Christ.

5. Heal the Sick and Serve Freely (Mt 10:8)

Jesus instructs His apostles to heal the sick and perform works that reveal God’s saving presence. Their mission includes compassionate concern for human suffering. The apostles were not simply messengers delivering religious information. They were instruments of Christ’s love.

The Church continues this mission through hospitals, charitable organizations, educational institutions, pastoral care, and assistance to people in need. Christian evangelization must combine proclamation of the Gospel with practical expressions of compassion.

Jesus also reminds His disciples that the gifts they received freely should be shared generously. Church ministry must never become an opportunity for exploiting others or seeking personal enrichment.

Jesus instructs His apostles to travel with simplicity and avoid unnecessary dependence upon material possessions. This does not mean that missionary work requires no financial resources. Rather, it teaches that material wealth should never become the center of Christian ministry.

The apostles had to trust in God’s providence and the hospitality of those who received them. Similarly, the Church should use its resources responsibly while remaining focused upon spiritual growth, evangelization, and service.

7. Bring Peace to Every Household (Mt 10:11–13)

Jesus instructs His apostles to offer peace when entering a home. The Gospel should be proclaimed through respect, kindness, and reconciliation.

Christians are called to bring peace into families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and parish communities. A person cannot effectively proclaim the Gospel while deliberately creating hatred, division, or unnecessary conflict. The apostles teach us that evangelization begins with the way we treat others.

8. Remain Faithful When Rejected (Mt 10:14–15)

Jesus prepares His apostles for the possibility of rejection. Not everyone will welcome their message. However, rejection should not destroy their commitment to the mission.

Christians must proclaim the Gospel faithfully while respecting the freedom and dignity of others. Missionary perseverance requires patience, courage, humility, and trust in God.

THE APOSTLES AFTER THE RESURRECTION AND PENTECOST

Before the Passion of Jesus, the apostles frequently experienced fear, uncertainty, and misunderstanding. When Jesus was arrested, most of them fled. Peter denied knowing Him, and Thomas initially struggled to believe the testimony concerning the Resurrection. However, their encounter with the risen Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit transformed their lives.

At Pentecost, the apostles received courage to proclaim Jesus publicly. Peter, who had denied Jesus during the Passion, now preached boldly to large crowds. The apostles continued to teach, celebrate the Eucharist, form Christian communities, and care for those in need. Their missionary work extended beyond Jerusalem into different regions. Some experienced imprisonment, persecution, and martyrdom. Their transformation reveals the power of God’s grace.

The Church was not founded upon the natural perfection of the apostles but upon Jesus Christ, who called them, forgave them, strengthened them, and sent them forth through the Holy Spirit. This gives hope to Christians who struggle with personal weaknesses and failures. God can accomplish extraordinary good through ordinary people who cooperate with His grace.

ST. THOMAS AND THE SYRO-MALABAR APOSTOLIC HERITAGE

The Feast of the Twelve Apostles has a special meaning for the Syro-Malabar Church because of its historical and spiritual relationship with St. Thomas.

According to the ancient tradition of the Saint Thomas Christians, the apostle arrived in India in AD 52 and established Christian communities along the Malabar Coast. He is traditionally remembered as having suffered martyrdom in the region of Mylapore.

Although the historical details of his journeys cannot all be independently verified, the apostolic tradition associated with St. Thomas has remained central to the identity of the Saint Thomas Christian community. The Syro-Malabar Church regards this inheritance as a precious gift.

Its liturgical traditions, missionary commitment, and ecclesial identity are rooted in its apostolic faith and its long historical relationship with Eastern Christianity. The best way to honor St. Thomas and the other apostles is not merely to preserve ancient customs but to remain faithful to the Gospel they proclaimed. We must continue their mission through evangelization, Christian formation, charitable service, and participation in the Holy Eucharist.

CATHOLIC TEACHING: THE CHURCH IS APOSTOLIC

In the Nicene Creed, Catholics profess belief in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. The word apostolic expresses an essential characteristic of the Church founded by Jesus Christ.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 857, the Church is apostolic in three important ways. 

First, the Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles, whom Jesus personally chose and commissioned.

Second, the Church faithfully preserves and transmits the teaching received from the apostles through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

Third, the Church continues to be guided and sanctified through the apostolic ministry exercised by the bishops, who are successors of the apostles, in communion with the successor of St. Peter.

The Second Vatican Council explains this teaching in Lumen Gentium, 19–22. The apostles possessed a unique foundational role as witnesses personally commissioned by Christ. This foundational role cannot be repeated. However, their pastoral mission continues through apostolic succession.

The bishops, assisted by priests and deacons, serve the Church through teaching, sanctification, and pastoral governance. At the same time, all baptized Christians participate in the apostolic mission of the Church according to their vocation. The apostolic character of the Church is therefore not merely a historical connection with the past. It is a living commitment to remain faithful to Christ and continue His mission in the present.

WHAT ARE THE SPIRITUAL FRUITS OF THE APOSTLES?

The Season of Kaitha encourages us to reflect upon the spiritual harvest produced through apostolic ministry.

The first great fruit was the proclamation of the Gospel. Through the apostles, the message of Jesus spread from Jerusalem to different parts of the world.

Another fruit was the establishment of Christian communities. The apostles gathered believers, celebrated the sacraments, and developed the structures necessary for continuing Christian life.

Their ministry also produced the fruit of holiness. Countless Christians followed their example through prayer, charity, sacrifice, and faithful discipleship.

The martyrs represent another important fruit of apostolic Christianity. They remained faithful to Christ even when threatened with persecution or death.

The Church’s charitable and missionary institutions also reflect the continuing fruits of the Gospel. However, the Season of Kaitha reminds us that the harvest must continue. The Church should constantly produce new fruits of faith, holiness, compassion, unity, and evangelization. Our generation has the responsibility to continue what the apostles began.

AN ILLUSTRATION: THE TREE AND ITS FRUITS

Imagine a farmer planting a young fruit tree. For several years, the farmer waters it, protects it from harmful conditions, and provides the care necessary for its growth. Eventually, the tree becomes strong and begins producing fruit. The farmer rejoices not merely because the tree has grown tall but because it produces a good harvest.

The Church can be compared to such a tree. Jesus Christ is the source of its life. The apostles served as foundational witnesses who planted and nourished the early Christian communities. Over the centuries, missionaries, martyrs, pastors, religious, and laypeople helped the Church grow.

Today, we enjoy the spiritual fruits of their sacrifices. However, the Church must continue producing good fruits. A parish may have beautiful buildings, impressive celebrations, and numerous organizations. These can support its mission, but its deepest fruitfulness is revealed through the holiness, generosity, unity, and Christian witness of its members.

The Season of Kaitha challenges every parish to ask whether it is producing the fruits expected by Christ.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION: WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE TWELVE APOSTLES?

1. Remain United with Jesus Christ

The apostles received their mission from Jesus. Their strength came from their relationship with Him. We should develop a deeper personal relationship with Christ through prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, and faithful Christian living.

2. Preserve the Apostolic Faith

We have received the Gospel through the witness of the apostles and the generations that followed them. We should remain faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church and pass them on to future generations.

3. Support the Mission of the Church

Every baptized Christian shares responsibility for evangelization. We can participate through parish ministries, catechesis, missionary support, charitable service, and Christian witness in everyday life.

4. Promote Unity Within the Church

The apostles came from different backgrounds but were united through their relationship with Jesus. Similarly, parish communities should overcome unnecessary division, jealousy, rivalry, and misunderstanding. Cooperation and mutual respect strengthen the Church’s mission.

5. Use Our Talents for Christian Service

God gives different gifts to different people. Some are called to preaching, teaching, administration, music, charitable service, or other ministries. These gifts should be used for the benefit of the Church and the wider community.

6. Teach Children About the Apostles

Children should learn the names, lives, and missionary contributions of the apostles. Their stories can inspire courage, faithfulness, service, and love for Jesus. Parents and catechists should especially explain the apostolic heritage of the Syro-Malabar Church and the mission of St. Thomas in India.

7. Produce the Fruits of Holiness

The Season of Kaitha challenges us to examine our spiritual lives. Are we becoming more prayerful, forgiving, compassionate, honest, and generous? Christian maturity is measured not merely by religious knowledge but by the fruits of the Holy Spirit expressed through daily living.

SPIRITUAL MESSAGES AND CALL TO CONVERSION

1. Jesus is the foundation of the Church. The apostles became its foundational witnesses because they were chosen and commissioned by Christ.

2. God calls ordinary people to extraordinary responsibilities. The apostles had weaknesses and limitations, but God’s grace transformed them into courageous witnesses.

3. The Church must preserve apostolic faith. Christian teaching, worship, and pastoral life should remain faithful to the Gospel transmitted through the apostles.

4. Missionary responsibility belongs to every Christian. Bishops, priests, religious, parents, young people, and lay members all participate in the Church’s mission.

5. Unity strengthens evangelization. The apostles formed one community despite their different personalities and backgrounds.

6. The Church must produce spiritual fruits. Growth in holiness, charity, reconciliation, and missionary activity is more important than external achievements alone.

7. Teach the faith to future generations. Just as Israel preserved the memory of God’s saving actions, Christian families must transmit the apostolic faith to their children.

8. The Eucharist strengthens the apostolic mission. Holy Qurbana nourishes our communion with Christ and sends us forth to become witnesses of His Gospel.

HOMILY OUTLINE FOR PREACHERS

Theme: The Twelve Apostles — Foundation of the Church and the Beginning of the Spiritual Harvest

1. Meaning of the Feast: The First Sunday of Kaitha celebrates the Twelve Apostles, who were chosen by Jesus and became foundational witnesses of His Church.

2. Meaning of Kaitha: The Syriac season of summer and harvest celebrates the spiritual fruits produced through the mission of the apostles and their successors.

3. Why Twelve Apostles? The number recalls the twelve tribes of Israel and symbolizes the renewed people of God gathered around Jesus Christ.

4. First Readings: The twelve sons of Jacob, the twelve memorial stones of Joshua, and the twelve foundations of the heavenly Jerusalem reveal the biblical significance of the apostolic foundation.

5. Gospel — Mt 10:1–15: Jesus calls ordinary people, gives them authority, sends them to proclaim the Kingdom, and instructs them to serve with simplicity and trust.

6. The Apostles After Pentecost: The Holy Spirit transforms fearful disciples into courageous missionaries who establish Christian communities and witness to the risen Christ.

7. Apostolic Succession: The Church preserves apostolic teaching and continues the pastoral ministry of the apostles through the bishops in communion with the successor of Peter.

8. Our Mission Today: Preserve the faith, promote parish unity, practice charity, support evangelization, teach children, and produce the fruits of holiness.

Central Message: The Twelve Apostles laid the foundation of the Church through their witness to Jesus Christ. We honor them most meaningfully by preserving their faith and continuing their mission through lives of holiness, unity, charity, and evangelization.