be and make disciples (mt 28:19)
"Someone said to Him, 'I will be Your follower wherever You go.' " —Luke 9:57
When someone volunteered to be Jesus' disciple, Jesus immediately told him not to expect a roof over his head (Lk 9:58). Jesus clearly expects His disciples to love unconditionally and to expect nothing but the cross (see Lk 9:23).
Jesus called another man to be His disciple. The man accepted the call but said that he would have to wait until after his elderly father died (Lk 9:59). Jesus implied that, if anyone delayed in being His disciple, that man was spiritually dead (Lk 9:60).
Another person volunteered to be Jesus' disciple. He just needed to go home and say "goodbye" to his family (Lk 9:61). Jesus maintained that anyone who did not make discipleship far more important than all other relationships was not fit for the kingdom of God (Lk 9:62).
Being a disciple of Jesus is radical, total, unconditional, and sacrificial. Are you Jesus' disciple on His terms? If so, you are making disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). Decide to be Jesus' disciple now — no matter what.
Prayer: Jesus, if I am Your disciple, I will make disciples who disciple others. I will follow You and take up Your cross.
Promise: "He does great things past finding out, marvelous things beyond reckoning." —Jb 9:10
Praise: St. Therese saw with the eyes of love as she did every little thing with the heart of a child for love of Jesus.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, The Challenge of Making Disciples in a Culture of Death or our audio AV97-1, AV97-3 or our video V-97.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 24, 2014
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