Discipleship Blueprint

07-11-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Discipleship entails being a missionary, for mission is an essential part of being a disciple. The Father sent the Son, Jesus’ mission to present the Kingdom of God here and now. Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, 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 witnesses to the whole world. The same is true with the Church. Every Christian disciple is missionary by their baptism. Disciples sent to continue the Church’s apostolic mission in the communion of faith and life with Jesus. The Christian vocation is, of its nature, a call to the apostolate as well. (CCC. 863)

We cannot give what we do not have. It is the mission of every disciple to share God’s divine mercy and love to all. For this reason, the first mission territory that we should conquer is our own life. Opening our heart more deeply to His mercy, love, and most especially to His Word will transform us to 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 daytoday life. The Lord sends us first to our nearest neighbor, our families, our friends, our coworkers or employees, or every people we meet throughout the day. Jesus sent His disciples on a mission with instruction to go forth and bring His mercy, His compassion 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 are 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. Their only qualification they were called and sent by Jesus. 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. Most prophets of the Old Testament chosen 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 to continue the mission. We all serve the Lord.

As disciples, we are task 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 by our words but also by our very deeds.

A priest shared this prayer of a friend: “Lord, I pray that you turn my pride into humility which is the beginning of knowing more. Let me not sing a song to my pride; rather, make me hear the lyrics of humility and compassion. Let me not blurt out the words that I wrongly think as wisdom; rather, make me hear the silence of true wisdom. Let me not go in haste to be ahead of others; rather, grant that I may take care of my every step, lest I stumble and go nowhere. Let me not be adamant; rather, make me adapt like the water that flows along the meandering course of life. Let me not go astray in the follies of life; rather, let me walk in the Lord’s way. And at the end of this life’s journey, let me be in a state of grace so that I may finally see the face of my Lord and God Jesus.”