Jesus Speaks to the 12 is a 4-part series written for Holy Thursday. In each part, 3 disciples present at the Last Supper are highlighted. It is partially inspired by the Unity teaching of the Twelve Powers. Part 1 sets the context and Jesus speaks to Peter, Andrew and James. Part 2 is John, Phillip and Bartholomew. Part 3 is Thomas, Matthew and James son of Alphaeus. Part 4 is Simon, Thaddeus and Judas.
Jesus speaks to Thomas
Thomas, Thomas, Thomas… such a reputation you have. Did you know most people see your questioning as a lack of faith? I don’t believe that though. I have always believed you were exceedingly curious and have a very strong desire to know yourself and the world in a more profound way. That requires questioning. How else can you understand, comprehend and perceive the world rightly without questioning? I think a little skepticism now and then is actually healthy.
I love your “interrogations,” as the other 11 have come to call them, because they inspire me to see the world through another’s eyes. You remind me that I don’t always have an expansive view of the world. For the kingdom of heaven to unfold I need to be able to stretch, to see with new eyes, taking in all that is happening. And not just with my five senses, but with my heart and mind too.
Over the years, there have been many times I have listened deeply to your doubts and fears, and my heart has been heavy that you sometimes feel discouraged. Yet no matter what is happening around us, you don’t question our two great commandments. May you always demonstrate that childlike curiosity and inquisitive, questioning nature – even if it comes from fear – because it leads you to the still waters of knowing the peace that surpasses all human understanding. Before I leave this world Thomas, I want you to know this is who you have been for me, and the world is better for it.
Jesus speaks to Matthew
I’ve always wondered what was it in your childhood Matthew that brought forth such a willful soul? Well, whatever it was, let me make sure you hear me clearly – I AM SO GRATEFUL. Through the power of your will, you have moved all of us into action these past few years, even when we were so weary. You directed us, made decisions for our well-being, listened and then supported each of us as we chose our next right steps.
What makes this so remarkable is that when you first joined us, the last thing that seemed to interest you was caring for another. Being a tax collector put you at the bottom of the rung, and I can only imagine that self-worth, or the value you held for yourself, could not have been very high. And yet, you consciously decided to come with us. Many times over the years I have relished watching you move more and more into a place of great humility. You learned to see yourself in others, opening the eyes of your heart, and immediately could show the rest of us how to do that too. You are the Will of God Matthew, you have been my compass.
In some of my darkest moments, it is your willingness to walk with me that has allowed me to take another step. Truly I knew in those moments God was the living, breathing Matthew I see before me right now. There are others things you could have done in this lifetime, things that would have brought less pain, less frustration, less controversy, but you chose righteously, with “right use” to follow the Way of Life with me and your 11 brothers. You have made your YES be YES and your NO be NO because of the latitude of thought tempered always with love. Before I leave this world Matthew, I want you to know this is who you have been for me, and the world is better for it.
Jesus speaks to James, son of Alphaeus
I wonder if you fear that people don’t see you James, son of Alphaeus, or that you don’t now how much your presence here matters. Perhaps it is because you are like that hidden, naturally ordered current flowing through all life. You seem to have mastered being in alignment with this universal law of life – which cannot be seen, but felt – in order to have a a world brought forth in a harmonious and balanced way. And who doesn’t want more of that?
In your quietness, sometimes even obscurity, you have shown us clearly how to organize divine ideas and create our experiences from spiritual principles. It is a gift my friend. Many of us forget this and life becomes messy, confusing, and I know for me, I have gotten lost in the details and then everything around me becomes the opposite of what I would like to experience.
When I realize that’s what’s going on, I look at who, and I exhale a sigh of relief. While we each recognize that growth and evolution is always occurring, rarely do I find someone who so readily embodies that growth without struggling. Divine Order is one of the most challenging of all the laws of the universe, yet I am blessed by you. You are my teacher who demonstrates how to participate with this law consciously. Most of us wrestle with change by resisting it. I am eternally grateful to you for showing me another way of being with the unfolding kingdom of god. Before I leave this world James, I want you to know this is who you have been for me, and the world is better for it.
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The Twelve Powers are core abilities within each of us that we are using whether we know it or not. We consciously use them to handle every life situation so we can be the best we can be. Each of our Twelve Powers has a focused use and purpose – we use them together, in concert, to master the art of living. They are faith, strength, wisdom, love, power, imagination, understanding, will, order, zeal, release and life.
Part 1 – Jesus Speaks to the 12: Peter, Andrew and James
Part 2 – Jesus Speaks to the 12: John, Phillip and Bartholomew
Part 3 – Jesus Speaks to the 12: Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus
