2025 - The Apostles

 It seems to be a tradition that we have about half the apostles organised before Good Friday with the rest being selected in the hour or so before the play begins. As we arrive at the Monastery on the morning of Good Friday, I offer the simple prayer, "God, I have tried my best up to today. Now it's your turn. Send me volunteers to fill the remaining roles."

And amazingly, God provides. It is always rewarding to hear the volunteers express afterwards their enjoyment of the experience. "I only popped over to see what was happening. Next thing I knew my wife and I had costumes and were in the play."

"I thought I was in trouble when the director pointed at me. He then said I would be a great Roman Soldier. My friend agreed with him and the director told her she would be a good Woman of Jerusalem. Before we realised it, we were inside the play!"

Here are the twelve apostles moving towards their starting positions. We always need to do the count and check we have 12 apostles! No more and no less.

Jesus spends the waiting time, drilling the apostles in what they will be doing. It is pretty straight forward for most of them. Follow Jesus. When Jesus says someone will betray him, deny it. See, that's not hard.

Peter, James and John are next to Jesus and the rest following.

After Peter and John are sent away to make the upper room ready, James is sent to bring the blind beggar, Bartimeus, forward.

After Judas has left on his errand, the rest of the apostles are present for the Last Supper.

They then follow Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus asks them to wait outside the garden while He goes in to pray with Peter, Lames and John.

After the arrest, a number of the apostles do double duty as other roles.

This year three of them became accusing servants during the trial with Caiaphus. One was Joseph of Aramethea. Two were the thieves crucified with Jesus. Others then helped with the ropes around the Way of The Cross or joined the rest of the people of Jerusalem, adding much needed local colour!