Genuine Discipleship

Dear friends on the journey,

For several weeks now our gospels have been focused on Jesus’ ministry in Judea and Jerusalem. His
teachings and miracles have created considerable tension with the Jewish religious leaders who feel
challenged by Jesus’ authority. Jesus has not backed down to this point and in today’s gospel, he calls out the
scribes and Pharisees about their own preaching that is not backed up by their practice. They seem to have the
proverbial “do as I say, not as I do” attitude.

As important as those words were then, they are equally important for us today. Jesus challenges us to gauge
our own attitude of “walking the talk.” He invites us to reflect on our religious integrity by asking ourselves:
Do my words and actions match up? In what area of my life might I be a hypocrite, preaching but not acting
accordingly? Am I condemning those who cast judgment on others all the while judging my next-door
neighbor’s yard ? Am I quick to point out others who complain and in the next breath grumble about a
relative’s behavior? There’s the old joke about Catholics who have just gone to Mass and navigate the parking
lot like the devil. Am I outwardly appearing to be a good Christian but lack the true motivation? Or am I
simply unaware that a deeper relationship can exist with God? I call this being religious but not spiritual. I
realized this was my early Catholic faith experience, until about twelve years ago when I had an “aha”
moment that I was “doing” all the right things but lacked a true personal relationship with God.

In reality, it happens to all of us but, as Christian disciples, we are called to a higher standard, to move beyond
just following the commandments, rules, and checking the boxes, nor concerning ourselves with saying the
right words, wearing the tassels, and having the titles. Living out our faith goes beyond just words or rituals.
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Living out our faith is about how we connect with others and lead by example. Today’s second reading from I
Thessalonians gives us a model to live out and share our faith through loving relationships, like a mother’s
care for her children, through heartfelt, genuine connections with others. Discipleship is not a one-time
agreement. Rather it is a life of humble servanthood, a lifelong journey of mini conversions and aha moments
that stretch us, that bring about spiritual growth, and that deepen our personal relationship with God.
Discipleship is the ongoing review and adjustment of our lives to align ourselves with Jesus’ teachings and
example

That strengthened relationship with God will then be authentically
reflected in our words, actions, and relationships.
True faith shines in our actions, our care of one another,
​and our commitment to living by the values we profess.

Siempre Adelante,
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​
Teresa Runyon
Pastoral Associate

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