Discipleship and Mission

07-14-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Discipleship entails being a missionary, for mission is essential to being a disciple. The Father sent the Son, Jesus, to proclaim His Kingdom here and now. Peace be with you. As the FATHER has sent me, so I also send you. (Jn. 20:21) As the Father sent Jesus, Jesus sent His disciples, the twelve (12), to be witnesses. And now, we are also sent by Jesus to be a witness to the whole world. The same is true with the Church. Every disciple is a missionary by their baptism. Disciples sent to continue the Church’s apostolic mission in a communion of faith and life with Jesus. The Christian vocation is, of its nature, a call to the mission. (CCC. 863)

We cannot give what we do not have. It is the mission of every discipleto share God’s divine mercy and love with all. For this reason, the first mission territory we should conquer is our own life. Opening our hearts more deeply to His mercy, love, and Word will transform us into His image and likeness. Becoming hearers and doers of the Word, we, in turn, are sent to bring His Words to others. Often, this happens in ordinary day-to-day life. The Lord sends us first to our neighbors (our families), friends, coworkers, employees, or anyone we meet throughout the day.

Jesus sent His disciples on a mission with instruction togo forth and bring His mercy and His forgiveness throughout the whole world. Discipleship means total dependence on God who says take nothing in your journey. As disciples, we do not need a ton of resources or great intelligence, and even talent and skill. The first disciples were simple fishermen, and Jesus Himself was an ordinary carpenter. Many prophets were simple shepherds. David, the greatest king of Israel, was first a shepherd. The twelve apostles did not have an impressive resume for the job. God calls them not because of their qualifications but because of their openness to His mercy and love and when He calls, He also sends. In truth, this is our only claim for the mission as well.

Jesus in the Gospel gives us a blueprint for disciples sent to the mission. The initial step for discipleship includes the invitation: Come and follow me. In the same way, Jesus calls, and we respond to His call. And remember, most of us are called not so much because of - but despite. God chose the prophets of the Old Testament despite their imperfections. No one can ever claim or be proud to be worthy or deserving of their calling. A true disciple always feels a sense of unworthiness of the calling. For humility is a necessary quality of true discipleship. The feeling of inadequacy in mission explains why Jesus sent His disciples two by two. Discipleship involves teamwork and team ministry. We are not alone; we are disciples of Jesus and the community He entrusted us to continue the mission. We all serve the Lord.

As disciples, our task is to bring and share the message of Jesus. Make sure we do not preach ourselves or the things of the world. Make sure we preach repentance and not so much about abundance. Make sure we proclaim His love for us and not condemnation the Cross and not hopelessness. Lastly, to make sure we share all these not only in words but especially in deeds.

Jesus sends His disciples two by two and asks them to trust His authority and NAME. In pairs to remind them that they must work as a team. They are to preach repentance in words and life. We are all sent to preach the love of God, the fundamental basis of repentance. God loved us even before we loved Him. Remember: The Love of God is something we do not learn in books or because of the merits of our works and virtues, but by personal experience in failures and weaknesses, in life, love, and service to others.

Lord, help us to do our mission with dedication, patience, and compassion.