Called to Discipleship

Vatican II left us with a profound and challenging document entitled, The Constitution of the Church in the Modern World.  In this text the Church reminds us that we all have a call to holiness, and as such we become seekers of that which is holy, and proclaimers of what we have seen and heard in Christ.  Church work is not just a thing that Father and Sister do, but because we are baptized and confirmed we engage in works of charity and evangelization as well.

The Gospel of Mark gives us a sense of urgency in regards to proclaiming the Kingdom.  Jesus begins his ministry calling for repentance and transformation.  That invitation to metenoia was as relevant at the time of Jesus as it is today.  In our present society the idea of religion, core truths and values, a moral life, are often criticized and made light of.  Morality is viewed as something subjective, if it is considered at all.

So in the scriptures today, those who hear the Word of God change their lives immediately.  They do not take time to contemplate the call to conversion, but leave their former lives behind and follow turn to God, following Jesus down the 'way.'  This model says that we take a risk, and become responsible for the faith we have been given.  We nurture the faith we have received in addition to the faith and religious live of each other.

Even more so, faithful people are prophetic people.  Part of our ministry is to bring healing to peoples, driving out evil wherever we find it.  Discipleship does not allow us to be wall-flowers.  I remember one of my freshmen students asking why the Church just cannot believe like everyone else.  That is because we are not like everyone else.  Our teachings and stance are about truth and compassion, justice and peace.  So our very lifestyles become a stumbling block for those around us.

If we were to image ourselves in the boat, with our father and mother, would we have the courage to leave everything and follow Jesus.  Embracing the Christian lifestyle is a challenge.  It is not always a pretty sight.  But in the end it is that nurturing of a love relationship between God and us and each other.  We become stewards of the call to discipleship and nurture and care for what we have been give.  All for the Kingdom of God.