Reflection
Discipleship and Growth
Today, Jesus teaches about Discipleship. He notes that discipleship involves life and growth and change – practical realities. Dating myself, the song from the musical “Godspell” comes to mind: “…day by day, come what may.” Seeing Jesus more clearly, loving Him more dearly, following Jesus more nearly…day by day.
Luke’s Gospel selection presents Jesus meeting some Scribes and Pharisees who questioned the fasting and prayer of His disciples, comparing them with those of John the Baptist and other Pharisees. Jesus’ disciples were seen as “lax”, even eating and drinking at improper times! Jesus challenges their thinking by using a variety of down-to-earth parables about wedding parties, patching clothes, as well as storing and consuming wine.
Many Jewish leaders had developed a legalistic formalism in the practice of their faith. It seemed more important for them to abide by minute fasting regulations than, for example, to help a neighbor in need. By word and deed, Jesus tried to change that perception – and He met opposition! Jesus personally demonstrated that love is the essence of religion and that “regulations” were simply to serve as concrete helps, not ends in themselves.
What Jesus asked of His disciples was more demanding; no doubt it is easier to be precise about rules and regulations than to genuinely love God and neighbor with one’s whole being.
As 21st-century disciples, we are challenged to continue growing and loving in new ways. Our involvements with others in a polarized world, our liturgical and prayer styles, the challenge of digital “zooming” and social media and artificial intelligence: life is radically different for us! We may long for the “good old days,” but life today presents us with “new wine” needing “new wine skins” and suitable updates and patches for the fabric of life today. We are called to live and grow…building upon the wisdom and experience of one another and our heritage as the People of God. Together, with Jesus, ¡Sí, se puede! Yes, we can!
The coming September days and weeks present us with a variety of celebrations for both growth and challenge as disciples. Labor Day on September 7; our Blessed Mother’s Birthday on September 8; the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14; our fellow Passionist St. Vincent Strambi on September 24; the Archangels Michael and Raphael and Gabriel on September 29; the month-long days of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
May we be ever grateful for our faith, for our discipleship, the blessings and challenges of life and one another, and for God’s loving care for us in all of life and creation.
