Practical Theology Series:
Discipleship and its implication
During the next 10 weeks, this series will cover a variety of different topics that may assist us in fruitful living as a disciple of Christ. Let us commence this series by examining what is meant by 'Discipleship' and its implications for our Catholic lives.
The word disciple originates from the Greek word ‘mathetes’ which means learner as compared to ‘didaskalos’, which means teacher.
KEY CHARACTERISTCIS OF A DISCIPLE:
The disciple is a person who is:
(A) Attached and following a teacher so as to learn from that teacher, in this context- Jesus Christ.
(B) Involved in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which demands that he/she
Grows in character towards a Christ-like likeness.Commits himself/herself to serve Christ.
Shows a readiness and willingness to live under His authority.
Surrenders his/her life to His Lordship- this involves self-denial.
(C) One who shows obedience to the Lord’s Word.
(D) In friendship or relationship with Christ as distinct from being a servant.
John 15:15 says:
‘ No Longer do I call you Servants, for the servant does not know what His master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to You.’
(E) In love with Christ and demonstrates this by being in right relationship with Him, with himself/herself and with others (family, work colleagues, neighbours and even enemies). This will be shown through a character, which conforms, to Christ.
(F) One who commits himself/herself to growing as a disciple i.e. learning what it is to be disciple- and showing perseverance, tenacity and staying power when difficulties are encountered in his/her life.
(G) One who understands his/her calling and ministry.
(H) One who shows a commitment to service, i.e. imitating Christ’s model of Service.
A True disciple carrying out the characteristics notes above is one who is trying to live out Christ’s commandment to love God and neigbour as Mathew outlines:
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, and with all your mind.
with all your soul, and with all your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
The second resembles it:
You must love your neighbour as yourself.
On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets too'.
Each of these characteristics has a two-fold purpose – it helps the disciple to grow inwardly but it requires the disciple to make an outward looking response to other people (family, work colleagues, neighbour and enemies).
During the week, let us take to prayer these three reflection questions:
- How would Christ rate you as His disciple?
- How do you rate yourself as Christ’s disciple?
- What do I need to change in the light of these ratings?
Next week, let us examine what it means to be 'filled with the Spirit'
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