To Follow Jesus

02. July 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Reflections

requires more than words, it requires action

Each of us has been called by God for a special purpose in life — a vocation. Jesus asks each of us to follow him without any expectation of reward here on earth. What form our discipleship takes is unique and specific to the gifts we each have been given by God.

As disciples of Jesus we not only must be actively engaged in spreading his message but following in his footsteps as well. In other words, we must talk the talk and walk the walk. Jesus’ advice to any would-be follower: Think before you leap because there is a price to pay for following me. You must be willing to let go of anything that distracts you from choosing God first.When we respond to Jesus’ call as the scribe “I will follow you wherever you go” [Mt 8:19]. we must be prepared for the consequences. The path that Jesus took was not an easy one, culminating in torture and death. Why should it be any different for those who would follow him?

A promise to follow him carries with it a promise to endure suffering and sacrifice. I read recently that making a promise is like writing a check: anyone can write one, but there has to be some money in the bank to back it up. Promises are often used as a delaying tactic. Jesus never made promises; he did what needed to be done at that moment in time.

In one of the Star Wars movies, the character Yoda tells Luke Skywalker “Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.” In a real sense this is what Jesus requires of us as well. We must rid ourselves of those distractions that keep us trying to follow him and focus ourselves solely on him. Follow him fully, there is no try. To follow Jesus requires more than words, it requires action. Through your actions you must do as Jesus and bring his message to all whom you meet.

About the author: Deacon Chuck

Deacon Chuck was ordained into the permanent diaconate on September 17, 2011, in the ministry of service to the Diocese of Reno and assigned to St. Albert the Great Catholic Community. He currently serves as the parish bulletin editor and website administrator. Deacon Chuck continues to serve the parish of Saint Albert the Great Catholic Community of the Diocese of Reno, Nevada. He is the Director of Adult Faith Formation and Homebound Ministries for the parish, conducts frequent adult faith formation workshops, and is a regular homilist. He currently serves as the bulletin editor for the parish bulletin. He writes a weekly column intended to encompass a broad landscape of thoughts and ideas on matters of theology, faith, morals, teachings of the magisterium and the Catholic Church; they are meant to illuminate, illustrate, and catechize the readers and now number more than 230 articles. His latest endeavor is "Colloqui: A journal for restless minds", a weekly journal of about 8 pages similar in content to bulletin reflections. All his reflections, homilies, commentaries, and Colloqui are posted and can be found on his website: http://deaconscorner.org. Comments are always welcome and appreciated. He is the author of two books: "The Voices of God: hearing God in the silence" which offers the reader insights into how to hear God’s voice through all of the noise that surrounds us; and "Echoes of Love: Effervescent Memories" which through a combination of prose and verse provides the reader with a wonderful journey on the way to discovering forever love. He regularly speaks to groups of all ages and size and would welcome the opportunity to speak to your group.

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