What will it take to be a Disciple of Jesus in today's world?

What will it take to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world? We all know that our world needs something to bring it back to center. We can see it in our families, neighborhoods, schools, communities, country and the world. It seems as if everyone has gone mad and the rules only apply to those who identify themselves as not only Christian but especially Catholic Christians.

Did you ever wonder “why”, why are Catholic Christians targeted? I know, using a mainstream media term but there is really no other way to say it.

It is because we will not give up the Tenets of our Faith that are not in conformity with the cultural norms. My question is, when have they ever? We have a lot of tenets and not everyone is going to agree, understand or even follow them including Catholic Christians. Does that mean, we are not following Jesus to the best of our ability?

NO! It does not!! It means; it has not been revealed to us yet. Perhaps it will never be revealed to us this side of Heaven but we still strive to understand and follow the teachings of the Church.

Here is an example: when we are teenagers, we think we know everything and our parents are just plain old fashioned. I don’t know about you, but I always vowed I would not be an old fashioned parent and I would never sound like them……yeah well, that didn’t happen.

However it made me realize that when we are still growing we don’t fully understand the consequences of actions/choices. It is the same thing with the Catholic Faith…when we are still growing there may be some things we don’t fully understand or perhaps agree with, and that’s ok. God made us individually, He knows us, and He wants us to know ourselves and Him. He will continue to call us, even though we may not fully understand or agree. Just as our parents have done for us and we do for our children.

So what is it going to take to be a disciple of Jesus in our world today? Here are some things that we will need if we are going to spread the word and become Disciples.

• Thick skin. Remember Jesus said, “When you go into a town, stop at the first house, say Peace be with you. If peace is returned stay with them until you leave the town. If it is not, shake the dust off your sandals and move on.
• A generous and hospitable heart. If someone asks you for your shirt give them your cloak as well. That means, we will have to put ourselves second and learn to serve. Even those we may not like, or don’t like us. We serve because it is the right thing to do and we know we are serving Jesus in them.
• The ability to listen, just listen. Giving someone your undivided attention is probably the most precious gift of our time. That means don’t look at your phone, don’t answer that call or check your email. The world will not fall apart without us. We can give others our undivided attention, even if they really don’t want it. Remember the story of the Women at the Well. Jesus engaged her even though she did not want it, was a women and a Samaritan. By the time He was done with her she was one great disciple!
• We need to have knowledge about our faith. That does not mean we have to be theologian. We all have knowledge, some of us just don’t believe we do. By sharing our story, we share our faith. Don’t worry all the rest will fall into place.
• Courage, to speak the truth. This is the most important thing, we must start speaking up about societal issues that go against our moral beliefs and teachings. Not because we are intolerant but because they go against natural law and the Church's teaching. Mindful that these differences may not have been revealed to them. It is ok, if we agree to disagree but we still need to be able to speak what is our heart about such issues without the fear of it being labeled hate speech. Remember Jesus, when the Scribes and Pharoses wanted to stone the women caught in the act of adultery. He let them go on and on about it and then simple said, “Let the one, who is without sin, cast the first stone.” We must be able to enter into dialogue even when there may not be a solution.

If we can do these things, without malice or pride, then the Holy Spirit will be poured forth and renew the face of the earth. Then we, like the many that have come before us, will become disciples of our time, sharing the Good News and bring others to Christ.