What+does+it+mean+to+be+a+disciple+?+What+is+a+disciple+?+MaryEllen+Tanner

Type in the content of your new page here. In it's most basic meaning, a disciple is a believer and follower of a certain person's teachings. In this context, I am talking about being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Being a disciple implies a significant amount of knowledge, reflection, understanding and assent to the teachings involved. It also involves a commitment to think, live and act according to these teachings and principles. Thus, being a disciple of Jesus requires a certain level of maturity. A child or adolescent might be a "disciple-in-formation", but not a mature disciple. That is not to say that there is a magic moment when we have recieved a certain critical mass of knowledge and grace and can call ourselves a disciple. Becoming a disciple requires a significant period of learning and discernment as one lives, prays and acts according to the teachings of Christ. One does reach a point however, where one's affirmation and commitment to these teachings - aided and nourished by the grace of God in many ways - becomes firmly the basis of our whole life's orientation, our values and choices. The disciple does not merely admire or consider the teachings of Christ, he or she LIVES them and wishes - as Christ intended - to SHARE them with others. The true disciple, though still very imperfect, is in relationship and communion with Jesus through prayer, the scriptures, the sacraments, the choices they make in everyday life and the community of love that they strive to live with others. As with any relationship, it is ever growing and evolving. It can experience highs and lows, periods of searching or setback as well as times of insight, discernment and encouragment. The authentic disciple of Jesus is one who lives out their commitment by serving and loving others in ways that are appropriate to their talents, vocation and station in life. That was one of the fundamental points of Jesus' teaching. When He washed the feet of the Twelve, he told them, "For I have set you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." John 13:15 He also said, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples." John 13:34,35 Thus we see that discipleship involves service to others. As disciples, we are called to be "the salt of the earth" and "a light unto the world", that is to be a source of encouragement and help to others. Jesus also warned us that being his disciple would involve trials and bring on the animosity of some people. "Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven." Matt. 5:11-12 To be a disciple, we have to be ready to put our whole self at His service. "Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me, is not worthy of me." Matt. 10:38 Being a faithful disciple may bring us along paths and trials that we could never predict. But we may be sure that it will also bring us His joy and peace, for he reassured us; "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love.[...] I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:10,11 Thus, being a disciple of Jesus is both active (in the service of others) and comtemplative. For He is the vine and we are the branches. We need to be firmly attached and nourished by Him to produce the fruits of love that He hopes of us. MaryEllen Tanner Dec.5, '08