Discipleship Introduction
At Baptism we enter formally into a journey of discipleship. I say formally as long before being presented for Baptism the young child is ‘on mission’. Just think of the love that child releases in the parents, the midwives and anyone present as he/she slips into the world. No language, just presence; a presence of being, being with and among the human community. There is a beautiful mutuality in this moment. The child’s vulnerability calls the community to surround this new life with love, care and support. Both need each other. Recall John’s words: ‘A woman in childbirth suffers, because her time has come; but when she has given birth to the child she forgets her suffering in her joy that a child has been born into the world.’ (John 12:21) That joy is the fruit of the child ‘on mission’ and the other’s response.
Anthony Gittins has written extensively on discipleship and mission. In his book, Called to be Sent, he states that in the journey into discipleship there are 3 stages: |
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In the prayers that follow all are concerned in some way with discipleship and mission. I like Gittins’ idea that we are co-missioned. We are in partnership with God in enabling God’s love to flow into the world. He emphasises that the mission is God’s: so the mission has a church; the mission has a parish; the mission has you; the mission has me. At times in history when the church is not faithful to the mission of God we need to remain committed to the mission of God and exercise the responsibility of the prophet to call the church to fidelity.
In short, discipleship is responding to the invitations:
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No matter what work we are engaged in we are always on mission. It’s a pity that the official church does not always encourage us to see that. Can we challenge the church to help us name this? As a doctor I am the healing hand of God. As a banker I am a voice of integrity questioning a money system that does not always deliver justice; as a builder I am providing well constructed homes for families; as a politician I am listening the needs of the society and when necessary speaking ‘truth to power’; as a shop assistant I respect those with whom I work and those I serve; as an artist I try to reveal the soul of our community and the earth’s beauty. This list could go on. It is a matter of naming how we love through the work we do.
And don’t forget Francis, Bishop of Rome’s challenge to be joyful disciples, not sourpusses! |
WE ARE ONE COMMUNITY,
AND LIVING TOGETHER. OUR FAITH IS NOT AN ORNAMENT, BUT RATHER IS SOMETHING ESSENTIAL FOR THE CHRISTIAN LIFE ... FOR TESTIMONY AND FOR EVANGELIZATION ... - Pope Francis, General Audience, 15.1.14 |