Transforming as Disciples

“Our only desire and our one choice should be this:
I want and I choose what better leads to the deepening of God’s life in me."
 – St. Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises

The rituals and rules of the Catholic faith take on new light in the context of a deepening, transformative relationship.  After we've known the mercy of Jesus, He invites us into newness of life:  "Take up your cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24)  This is the invitation to discipleship.

A disciple is a student who follows a master, leaving everything behind to learn to be like the teacher. Jesus tells us:  "Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart." (Matthew 11:29)

He once told the disciples, "And you know the way where I am going.”   One of them replied,  “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me."  (John 14:4-6)

Knowing the teachings of our faith and it's implications & challenges for our life (and the life of the world) is part of the journey of discipleship. We're always learning, always surrendering, always transforming.  But it's always, always rooted in relationship.  As Fr. Mike Schmitz states, "A disciple is someone who consistently lives out the relationship that they have with the Father, Son & Holy Spirit."

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