THE SEASON OF THE APOSTLES (ŠLEEHE)
FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SENT TO PROCLAIM CHRIST
Introduction
The Season of the Apostles is the seven-week period beginning with the Feast of Pentecost in the Syro-Malabar liturgical year. It follows the Season of Resurrection, during which the Church celebrates the victory of the risen Christ and his appearances to the disciples. At Pentecost, the attention of the Church turns to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the missionary activity of the apostles.
The Syriac name for this season is Šleehe. The singular form šleeha means “one who is sent” or “an apostle.” This title reveals the central message of the season: those who receive the Holy Spirit are sent to continue the mission of Jesus.
The apostles who had been frightened and uncertain became courageous witnesses after receiving the Holy Spirit. They left the security of the Upper Room, proclaimed the Resurrection, healed the sick, endured persecution, established Christian communities, and carried the Gospel to different parts of the world.
This season reminds all baptized and chrismated Christians that they share in the apostolic mission. Every Christian is called to proclaim Christ through words, actions, holiness, service, sacrifice, and faithful witness.
The Place of the Season in the Syro-Malabar Liturgical Year
The Syro-Malabar liturgical year presents the mystery of salvation through a sequence of seasons. The Season of Annunciation celebrates the Incarnation and the birth of Christ. The Seasons of Epiphany and Great Fast recall his manifestation, public ministry, and journey toward the Cross. Holy Week commemorates his Passion and Death, while the Season of Resurrection celebrates his victory over death.
The Season of the Apostles begins with Pentecost because the mission accomplished by Jesus is now entrusted to the Church. The risen Lord had instructed the apostles not to leave Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from on high (Lk 24:49). After receiving the Holy Spirit, they became his witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
The movement from Resurrection to Pentecost and from Pentecost to mission is essential. The apostles could not proclaim Christ by relying only on their memories, talents, or human courage. They needed the Holy Spirit to understand the Gospel, overcome fear, remain united, and bear faithful witness.
The Season of the Apostles therefore celebrates the Church as a Spirit-filled, missionary, apostolic, and sacramental community.
Pentecost in the Old Testament
The word Pentecost comes from a Greek term meaning “fiftieth.” The feast was celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover. In the Old Testament, it was known as the Feast of Weeks because seven complete weeks separated it from the Passover celebration (Lev 23:15–21; Dt 16:9–12).
Pentecost was originally connected with the agricultural harvest. The Israelites brought the first fruits of their produce to God in thanksgiving. They recognized that the land, rain, crops, and harvest were gifts from the Lord. The offering of first fruits expressed gratitude and consecrated the entire harvest to God.
The feast later became associated with the covenant at Mount Sinai. After delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, God gave them the Law and formed them into his covenant people. Passover recalled their liberation, while Pentecost celebrated their vocation to live as a holy nation faithful to God’s commandments.
These two Old Testament meanings—harvest and covenant—prepare for the Christian meaning of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit produces a new spiritual harvest and gathers people from every nation into the New Covenant established through Christ.
Pentecost in the New Testament
Jesus promised that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to guide the disciples. He said, “The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you” (Jn 14:26).
Fifty days after the Resurrection, the disciples were gathered in one place. A sound like a strong driving wind filled the house, and tongues as of fire appeared and rested upon them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages (Acts 2:1–4).
The wind symbolized the invisible but powerful action of God. The fire signified divine presence, purification, illumination, and zeal. The different languages revealed that the Gospel was intended for every people and culture.
At Babel, human pride led to confusion and division (Gen 11:1–9). At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit overcame division without destroying diversity. People from different nations heard the one Gospel in their own languages. Pentecost thus reveals the Church as one and universal.
The apostles did not remain inside the Upper Room. Peter stood before the crowd and proclaimed that the crucified Jesus had risen and had been made both Lord and Messiah. About three thousand people accepted the message and were baptized (Acts 2:14–41). This was the first great harvest of the Church.
Pentecost and the Manifestation of the Church
Pentecost is often described as the public manifestation or missionary inauguration of the Church. The Church had already been prepared through the covenant with Israel, formed by the words and deeds of Jesus, and born from his pierced side upon the Cross. At Pentecost, she was publicly revealed and empowered to carry the Gospel to the nations.
The Holy Spirit did not create a collection of isolated believers. He formed a community devoted to the teaching of the apostles, communal life, the breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42).
These four characteristics continue to identify the Church:
- Apostolic teaching: The Church remains faithful to the Gospel transmitted by the apostles.
- Communal life: Believers live as brothers and sisters who care for one another.
- Breaking of bread: The Church gathers for the Eucharistic celebration.
- Prayer: The Christian community remains united with God and seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Church is therefore simultaneously spiritual, visible, communal, sacramental, and missionary.
The Meaning of Šleeha: One Who Is Sent
The Syriac word šleeha corresponds to the Greek word apostolos, meaning “one who is sent.” An apostle does not act on personal authority alone. He is sent by another and represents the one who commissioned him.
Jesus is the supreme One sent by the Father. He repeatedly declared that the Father had sent him into the world. After completing his saving mission, Jesus entrusted that mission to his disciples, saying, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (Jn 20:21).
The apostles were sent to preach the Gospel, baptize believers, celebrate the Eucharist, forgive sins, teach the commandments of Christ, establish local Churches, and shepherd God’s people.
The apostolic mission did not end with the death of the Twelve. Through apostolic succession, bishops continue the pastoral mission entrusted to the apostles. Priests cooperate with the bishops, while deacons serve the Church through the ministry of the Word, liturgy, and charity. Religious and laypeople participate according to their particular vocations.
Every Christian is therefore a person who has been sent. The family, parish, workplace, school, neighborhood, and society are missionary fields where Christians are called to reveal Christ.
Baptism, Chrismation, and the Apostolic Mission
The Season of the Apostles reminds us that those who have received Baptism and Chrismation are temples of the Holy Spirit and participants in the mission of Christ.
Through Baptism, a person is freed from sin, reborn as a child of God, incorporated into Christ, and made a member of the Church. Through Chrismation, the baptized receive the strengthening gift of the Holy Spirit and are empowered to bear witness to Christ.
Mission is not reserved only for clergy, religious, missionaries, or theologians. Parents exercise an apostolic mission when they transmit the faith to their children. Teachers participate when they form students in truth and virtue. Healthcare workers witness to Christ through compassionate care. Young people evangelize through integrity, purity, kindness, and courageous faith.
A Christian who lives honestly, forgives enemies, defends human dignity, serves the poor, and remains faithful during suffering is already proclaiming the Gospel.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Season of the Apostles directs attention to the gifts and action of the Holy Spirit. Drawing upon Isaiah’s description of the Spirit resting upon the Messiah, Catholic tradition identifies seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (Isa 11:2–3).
Wisdom enables us to see life from God’s perspective and prefer eternal realities to passing attractions.
Understanding helps us penetrate the meaning of revealed truth and recognize the harmony of the mysteries of faith.
Counsel assists us in discerning the right course of action, especially in difficult moral and pastoral situations.
Fortitude gives courage to remain faithful amid temptation, opposition, suffering, and persecution.
Knowledge helps us recognize creation as God’s gift and use created things according to his purpose.
Piety produces filial love for God and reverence for prayer, worship, and the needs of others.
Fear of the Lord is not terror but profound reverence that makes us unwilling to offend God or separate ourselves from him through sin.
These gifts are not intended for spiritual prestige. They equip Christians for holiness and service.
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Saint Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. He writes, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22–23).
The authenticity of spiritual life is revealed by its fruits. Extraordinary experiences, emotional enthusiasm, or impressive speech cannot replace conversion. A person led by the Holy Spirit becomes more loving, patient, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled.
The fruits of the Spirit should become visible in family relationships, parish life, ministry, financial dealings, social interaction, and the use of authority. When hostility, jealousy, rivalry, dissension, and selfishness dominate, Christians must examine whether they are resisting the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit always leads believers toward Christ, truth, holiness, communion, and mission.
The Holy Spirit as Advocate and Teacher
Before his Passion, Jesus promised to send another Advocate who would remain with the disciples. The Holy Spirit would teach them, remind them of Jesus’ words, guide them into truth, and strengthen their witness (Jn 14:16–17, 26; 16:13).
The apostles had heard Jesus teach, witnessed his miracles, and lived with him. Nevertheless, they did not fully understand the meaning of his Death and Resurrection until the Holy Spirit enlightened them.
At Pentecost, Peter interpreted the Scriptures with new clarity and proclaimed Jesus courageously. The same disciple who had denied Jesus before a servant girl now preached fearlessly before a large crowd.
The Spirit continues to guide the Church in preserving, interpreting, and proclaiming divine revelation. He assists the bishops in communion with the successor of Peter, inspires the faithful to holiness, and gives different charisms for the building up of the Church.
The Golden Friday
The first Friday of the Season of the Apostles is traditionally known as Golden Friday. The observance recalls the healing of the man who had been crippled from birth at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple (Acts 3:1–10).
Peter and John encountered the man as they were going to the Temple for prayer. He expected them to give him money. Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk” (Acts 3:6).
Peter took him by the hand, raised him, and immediately his feet and ankles became strong. The man entered the Temple walking, jumping, and praising God.
This miracle reveals the continuing power of the risen Jesus working through his apostles. Peter possessed no worldly wealth to offer, but he carried the saving name of Christ. What he gave was more valuable than gold.
The healing was also a sign of complete restoration. The man who had remained outside was now able to enter the Temple with the worshipping community. Christ restored not only his physical strength but also his social and religious participation.
Golden Friday invites the Church to continue Christ’s healing ministry by supporting the sick, differently abled, poor, excluded, and spiritually wounded.
The Power of the Name of Jesus
The apostles preached and performed signs in the name of Jesus. His name represents his identity, authority, presence, and saving power.
Jesus promised his disciples that the Father would hear prayers offered in his name (Jn 16:23). However, praying in the name of Jesus is not a magical formula. It means praying in communion with him and according to his will.
Peter made clear that the crippled man was healed not by human power or personal holiness but through faith in the name of Jesus (Acts 3:12–16). The miracle directed attention away from the apostles and toward Christ.
Christian ministers must follow this example. Their mission is not to promote themselves but to reveal Jesus. Authentic ministry gives glory to God rather than seeking admiration for the minister.
Saint Thomas the Apostle: “Let Us Also Go to Die with Him”
The Season of the Apostles has special meaning for the Syro-Malabar Church, which traces its apostolic origin to Saint Thomas. When Jesus decided to return to Judea after the death of Lazarus, the disciples were afraid because the authorities had sought to kill him. Thomas said to the others, “Let us also go to die with him” (Jn 11:16).
Although Thomas later struggled to believe the testimony concerning the Resurrection, he responded to the risen Christ with the profound confession, “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28).
According to the ancient tradition of the Church in India, Thomas carried the Gospel to India and eventually sealed his witness with martyrdom. His life reveals several dimensions of apostleship: courage to accompany Christ, honesty in doubt, openness to faith, missionary zeal, and willingness to give one’s life.
His declaration, “Let us also go to die with him,” remains an invitation to Christians who inherit the apostolic faith. Mission requires more than words. It demands self-denial, perseverance, sacrifice, and readiness to remain faithful regardless of the cost.
Mission Rooted in the Word of God
Those sent to proclaim the Gospel must build their lives upon the Word of God. An apostle cannot communicate faithfully what he or she does not know, meditate upon, and practice.
The Word must first convert the messenger. Regular reading of Scripture, participation in the liturgy, study of Catholic teaching, and prayerful reflection prepare Christians to proclaim Christ accurately and convincingly.
A contradiction between preaching and conduct weakens Christian witness. The world expects those who proclaim Christ to show honesty, compassion, humility, purity, justice, and concern for the poor.
The apostles proclaimed what they had seen, heard, and experienced. Christians today must also speak from a living relationship with Jesus rather than merely repeating religious information.
The Grain of Wheat and the Cost of Mission
Jesus said, “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit” (Jn 12:24).
This image first refers to the saving Death of Jesus. By offering his life, he brought salvation to the world. It also describes the missionary life of his disciples.
Mission involves dying to selfishness, pride, comfort, prejudice, and the desire for recognition. Parents sacrifice for the faith formation of their children. Priests and religious surrender personal interests for ministry. Missionaries leave familiar surroundings. Laypeople risk misunderstanding when they defend truth and justice.
Such sacrifice is not meaningless loss. Like the grain of wheat, a life offered with Christ becomes fruitful. The blood of the martyrs, the hidden sacrifices of parents, the fidelity of pastors, and the service of ordinary believers contribute to the growth of the Church.
Fearless Witness in Every Situation
Jesus instructed the apostles to bear witness before rulers, authorities, and hostile audiences. He promised that the Holy Spirit would teach them what to say (Lk 12:11–12).
After Pentecost, Peter and John were arrested for proclaiming the Resurrection. When ordered to remain silent, they replied that they could not stop speaking about what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:20).
Christian witness is still necessary. Believers may face pressure to hide their faith, compromise moral principles, or remain silent before injustice. Fearless witness does not mean aggression or disrespect. It means expressing truth with clarity, charity, humility, and courage.
The credibility of such witness depends upon the unity of word and life. A Christian’s actions should confirm the Gospel that he or she professes.
The God Who Protects Those He Sends
The Season of the Apostles also reveals God as the protector of his messengers. The Acts of the Apostles recounts many dangers: imprisonment, beatings, plots, storms, rejection, and martyrdom. Yet God remained present with those he sent.
Protection does not mean that missionaries will never suffer or die. Most of the apostles eventually suffered martyrdom. God’s protection means that no opposition can defeat his saving plan or separate faithful witnesses from his love.
The Lord freed Peter from prison, strengthened Paul during persecution, guided missionaries through the Holy Spirit, and transformed apparent defeats into opportunities for evangelization.
Those sent by Christ can work courageously because the success of the mission ultimately depends upon God.
The Danger of Resisting the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit lives in those who have been baptized and calls them continually toward holiness. Sin, however, resists his action. Serious sin damages communion with God, weakens Christian witness, and brings spiritual destruction if it remains unrepented.
Saint Paul warns Christians not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30) or quench the Spirit (1 Thess 5:19). Believers must remain attentive to conscience, Scripture, the sacraments, and the teaching of the Church.
When sin separates us from God, the path of return is repentance and sacramental reconciliation. The Spirit who convicts us of sin also leads us toward mercy and restoration.
The Season of the Apostles invites Christians to examine whether they are allowing the Spirit to guide their decisions or permitting selfish desires to control them.
Apostolic Communion and Unity
The apostles did not carry out their mission as isolated individuals. They remained united in prayer, teaching, fellowship, and sacramental life. Even when they traveled to different regions, they remained connected through the same faith and mission.
When serious questions arose, they gathered in Jerusalem to discern the will of God (Acts 15). Their communion protected the unity and integrity of the Church.
Christians today are likewise called to participate in the communion of the Church. Personal faith cannot be separated from ecclesial life. Christ established a community guided by the apostles and their successors.
Unity does not remove legitimate diversity. The Universal Church includes many peoples, languages, cultures, spiritual traditions, and liturgical rites. The Syro-Malabar Church contributes her East Syriac heritage to this Catholic communion while sharing the same faith and sacraments.
Catholic Teaching on the Apostolic Church
The Nicene Creed professes that the Church is “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.” The Church is apostolic because she was founded upon the apostles, preserves their teaching, and continues to be guided by their successors.
Apostolic succession is the uninterrupted transmission of pastoral responsibility through the bishops. In communion with the successor of Saint Peter, bishops safeguard the deposit of faith, celebrate the sacraments, and shepherd the people of God.
The Church’s apostolic character also belongs to the entire community. Vatican II emphasized that laypeople participate in the priestly, prophetic, and kingly mission of Christ. Through their presence in family and society, they reach places where ordained ministers may not ordinarily be present.
The apostolate of the laity is therefore essential to the Church’s mission. Every Christian should ask where and how Christ is sending him or her.
The Syro-Malabar Church and the Apostolic Heritage of Saint Thomas
The Syro-Malabar Church understands her identity in relation to the apostolic mission of Saint Thomas in India. Her liturgy, spirituality, ecclesial life, and missionary commitment have developed within this apostolic heritage.
The St. Thomas Christians preserved their faith through centuries of cultural and political change. They developed an Indian Christian identity while maintaining their East Syriac liturgical tradition and communion with the Universal Church.
The missionary spirit of Saint Thomas continues through Syro-Malabar dioceses, religious communities, parishes, missions, educational institutions, healthcare ministries, and charitable works throughout India and around the world.
To honor Saint Thomas is not merely to celebrate history. It is to continue his readiness to travel, sacrifice, proclaim Christ, establish communities, and remain faithful even unto death.
Eucharistic Connection
The apostles recognized the risen Lord in the breaking of bread, and the early Christian community remained devoted to the Eucharist. The Holy Qurbana nourished their communion and strengthened them for mission.
At the altar, the Church receives the Body and Blood of Christ and is formed into his one Body. The Eucharist unites believers with Christ and with one another. It also sends them into the world.
The dismissal at the end of the Eucharistic celebration is missionary. Those who have heard the Word and received Christ are sent to live what they have celebrated.
The same Holy Spirit who descended at Pentecost acts within the sacramental life of the Church. Through the Spirit’s action, believers receive strength to become witnesses of the risen Lord.
Application to Christian Life Today
The Season of the Apostles asks every Christian to rediscover his or her missionary identity. The question is not only what the apostles accomplished long ago but what the Holy Spirit desires to accomplish through us today.
Families should become places where children learn Scripture, prayer, forgiveness, charity, and participation in the Church. Parishes should form disciples rather than merely organize activities. Catholic institutions should reveal Christ through integrity, excellence, compassion, and concern for human dignity.
Modern communication offers new opportunities for evangelization. Websites, social media, video, and digital platforms can carry the Gospel across geographical boundaries. These resources should be used responsibly, truthfully, and charitably.
Mission also requires personal encounter. Visiting the sick, accompanying grieving families, supporting the poor, welcoming newcomers, teaching children, and listening to those in difficulty can reveal the compassion of Christ.
The most convincing missionary witness is a life visibly transformed by the Holy Spirit.
Lessons for Christian Life
- Receive the Holy Spirit as the source of mission. Human ability alone cannot accomplish the work of evangelization.
- Remember that every baptized and chrismated Christian is sent. Mission belongs to the entire Church, not only to clergy and religious.
- Remain rooted in apostolic teaching. Effective proclamation must be faithful to Scripture and the authentic teaching of the Church.
- Cultivate the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord equip us for holiness and service.
- Examine the fruits of your life. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control reveal the Spirit’s presence.
- Proclaim the name of Jesus rather than yourself. Authentic ministry directs attention and glory toward Christ.
- Serve those who suffer. Golden Friday reminds the Church to offer healing, dignity, inclusion, and hope.
- Accept sacrifice as part of mission. The grain of wheat bears fruit only by falling to the ground and dying.
- Bear witness without fear. The Holy Spirit strengthens Christians to proclaim truth with courage and charity.
- Remain in communion with the Church. Apostolic mission must be carried out in unity with the faith, sacraments, and legitimate shepherds of the Church.
Messages / Call to Conversion
- Invite the Holy Spirit to guide every important decision and responsibility.
- Identify the people and situations to which Christ is sending you.
- Remove habits of sin that resist or grieve the Holy Spirit.
- Read and meditate upon the Word of God regularly so that your witness remains rooted in truth.
- Use your spiritual gifts, education, profession, and resources for the building up of the Church.
- Replace fear and hesitation with confidence in the Holy Spirit.
- Offer practical support to the sick, poor, differently abled, lonely, and excluded.
- Preserve unity in the family, parish, and Church by rejecting gossip, rivalry, and factionalism.
- Follow Saint Thomas in the willingness to accompany Christ even when discipleship demands sacrifice.
- Let participation in the Holy Qurbana lead to concrete missionary service.
Outline for Preachers
- The seven weeks of the Season of the Apostles
- The meaning of the Syriac term Šleehe
- Pentecost as the fiftieth day
- The Old Testament feast of harvest, first fruits, and covenant
- The New Testament fulfillment through the Holy Spirit
- Pentecost and the public missionary manifestation of the Church
- The Church devoted to apostolic teaching, fellowship, Eucharist, and prayer
- Baptism and Chrismation as participation in Christ’s mission
- The gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit
- The Spirit as Advocate, Teacher, and source of courage
- Golden Friday and the healing at the Beautiful Gate
- The saving power of the name of Jesus
- Saint Thomas as apostle, missionary, and martyr
- Mission rooted in the Word of God
- The grain of wheat and the cost of discipleship
- God’s protection of those whom he sends
- The danger of resisting the Holy Spirit through sin
- Apostolic communion and legitimate Church authority
- The Syro-Malabar Church’s St. Thomas apostolic heritage
- The Eucharist as nourishment and sending for mission
- Practical missionary responsibilities of Christians today
