Are You a Catholic Consumer or Disciple?

I was really inspired by a reflection I heard this past week on Hallow by Jeff Cavins. He had been reflecting on the vast amount of spiritual resources (videos, books, conferences, prayers, faith groups, programs, etc.) we have at our disposal in today’s day and age, and asserted that we are not called to just be “Catholic consumers” of all of these resources, but rather Catholic disciples.

I think that message is profoundly needed in our Church right now. I know many Catholics who consume a lot of information, programs, and opportunities, but don't necessarily do much discipleship and work of the Gospel. It's evident by many churches haven't difficulties getting people to volunteer for ministries. Shouldn't consumption of all that goodness lead to some action? 

Now don't get me wrong, we need to learn and grow in what it means to be a disciple and follower of Jesus with the many tools, resources, and faith formation opportunities at our disposal, but there comes a time when we must be generative and actually do the hard work of the Gospel – bear its fruit in the vineyard. Being a disciple is about following Jesus - that means acting like Him, fulfilling our responsibilities, and doing what He asks of us. 

We’re asked to be a contributor to the fruit of the vineyard - not just someone that consumes its impacts and enjoys its choice wine and fruits.

Today, it may be helpful to reflect on a few simple questions about where are you in relationship to the vineyard: Are you a consumer drinking its wine and enjoying its fruit? Are you the passer-by taking in the sights and pleasuring in its beauty? Or are you the laborer working in the vineyard to produce its fruit? 

We can’t all be consumers and passer-bys if the vineyard is to flourish and produce the fruits that we all can enjoy. We must be part of the labor that brings forth that fruit. The Church needs you and God needs you to be more than a consumer - it needs you to be a disciple!