the privilege and cost of discipleship
"The Twelve accompanied Him, and also some women..." —Luke 8:1-2
When we were baptized, we became disciples of Jesus. Disciples accompany Jesus. They help preach and proclaim "the good news of the kingdom of God" (Lk 8:1). Because Jesus' disciples have "been cured of evil spirits and maladies" (Lk 8:2), they are eager to use their authority and power from Jesus to heal and free others (see Mt 10:1). Disciples also assist the leaders of the Church out of their means (Lk 8:3). They do not love money; rather, they express their love for God by giving Him their money and themselves (see 1 Tm 6:10). Jesus' disciples flee from the ways of the world (1 Tm 6:11). They "seek after integrity, piety, faith, love, steadfastness, and a gentle spirit" (1 Tm 6:11). They "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tm 6:12) and "take firm hold on the everlasting life to which" they "were called" (1 Tm 6:12).
To live as disciples of Jesus, we must deny our very selves, take up our cross each day, and follow in His steps (Lk 9:23). To be disciples of Jesus, we must put Jesus in a class by Himself and love Him so supremely and uniquely that by comparison we seem to hate everyone else — even our families and ourselves (Lk 14:26). To be disciples of Jesus, we must renounce all our possessions (Lk 14:33).
Make the greatest decision of your life. Decide to live your Baptism and live as a disciple of Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the privilege of being Your disciple and following You even to the cross.
Promise: "Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and a trap. They are letting themselves be captured by foolish and harmful desires which drag men down to ruin and destruction. The love of money is the root of all evil." —1 Tm 6:9-10
Praise: St. Robert, a Cardinal, ate only the same food that the poor of the city had available to them.
Reference: (Presentation Ministries offers Discipleship Retreats. Please call our Discipleship Center at 937-587-5464 for more information.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 22, 1999
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 24, 1999