To be a disciple

Friday August 6, 2021

"Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him : If you will abide in my word, you are truly my disciples; you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8, 31, 32

"This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples : if you have love for one another." John 13. 35

To be a disciple

What makes us recognize a disciple of the Lord today ?

Like his Master, the true disciple carries a double mark of identity : perseverance in the Word and love for his brothers.

The true disciple does not run from one teacher to another, he perseveres to the end in the teachings of his Master. The true disciple is attached to the word of the Master and perseveres in it until the end. Of the twelve men whom Jesus had chosen, only eleven deserved the title of disciple because Judas was stripped of his place in this service and this apostolate (Acts 1:25).

The true disciple is marked by love for the brothers. Such love is not natural, it demands a divine power which only those in whom the Holy Spirit dwells receive. The love shown towards the brothers makes it possible to test the reality of our belonging to Jesus as a disciple and of our love for God (1 John 4:20). He is the proof of the presence of new life in us (1 John 3:14).

Love binds together those who belong to the Lord. Even dispersed in various places, true disciples can experience this brotherly love as in the early days of the Church. Their behavior should leave no doubt as to their identity as children of God.

The gospel according to Mark, which is that of the servant, shows us how the Master works to form a disciple even today :

1. Jesus calls his disciples (3:13).

2. Jesus established them "to be with him and to send them" (3:14).

3. Jesus puts their faith to the test : Jesus sleeps in the storm (4. 35-41).

4. Jesus gives them a first service and sends them two by two (6. 7).

5. When their service is completed, Jesus gives them a little rest before entrusting them with new tasks (6.31, 37).

6. Jesus did not stop teaching them until he was lifted into heaven.

7. From the Father's house he will not leave them, but he cooperates with them (16. 20).

Source (Pleasing the Lord)