Are We All Called to become Disciples of Christ?

Are we all Called to become Disciples of Christ?

Eileen Renders

   Does God want all of His creation to become as His first twelve disciples? I believe so. Looking into the history of the first twelve disciples, we can find striking similarities in each one of them. They were, first of all, believers in Christ as the Son of God. They were willing to give up all their worldly possessions to leave the comforts and familiarity of home and follow Jesus. They took notes of His messages and eventually evangelized through what later was to become the bible. They taught, spoke to others about God’s great love for all of us, and remained faithful to His Commandments.

   Were they changed into perfect human beings through this transition, absolutely not. We know that Judas turned Jesus over to the soldiers who sought Jesus to try and convict Him, and all for 30 silver pieces. And when Jesus was resurrected on the third day after His crucifixion, there was the disciple known as “doubting Thomas” who could not be assured enough that he was once again in the presence of Christ. He wanted proof to touch His side, to see His wounds.

   Yet the Bridegroom forgave and continued to love His imperfect disciples. Jesus does, however, ask for our sorrow and sincere regret for having offended Him, our willingness and true effort to amend our lives, and our desire to be more like Him, our creator.

   How can we become more like Jesus? Perhaps by spending more time with Him in prayer, meditation, and the sacraments. Through witnessing how He works in our lives, teaching our children, and being of service to others whenever the opportunity arises.