From Father Joe: Discipleship
We often hear people in the Church talk about “Discipleship”, but what does the word, “Disciple” mean? Disciple comes from the Latin word, “Disciples” which means “student” or “follower.” When the Gospels talk about Christ calling all to be disciples, he wants us to be His students and to follow Him. Discipleship is the path towards salvation, to gain everlasting life in the presence of God. But how does one become a disciple? What are the first steps to discipleship?
Our path of discipleship began at our Baptism, when we were washed of original sin and became adopted children of God but continues through our whole lives. The marks of a disciple of Christ, is one who listens, one who professes their faith (Romans 10:9), one who does God’s will, (Matthew 7:21) and the participation in the Eucharist (John 6:53-54)
But what is the greatest example of true discipleship? The greatest image we have is Christ crucified, it is on the cross that Jesus offers up everything he has to the Father, being obedient to God even to death. This is the path that we are all called to follow, to make of our lives an offering to God and to always repeat the words of our Teacher and Savior, “not my will, but yours, God. (Luke 22:42) It is through this narrow gate of calvary that we follow our Lord to our home and our reward of everlasting life.
So my friends let us pray that we may all be dedicated disciples of Christ and to encourage and pray for each other as we pick up our crosses and follow our friend and teacher.
In Christ, Fr. Joe Connelly