be and make disciples (mt 28:19)
"Someone said to Him, 'I will be Your follower wherever You go.' " —Luke 9:57
When someone volunteered to be Jesus' disciple, Jesus immediately told him not to expect a roof over his head (Lk 9:58). Jesus clearly expects His disciples to love unconditionally and to expect nothing but the cross (see Lk 9:23).
Jesus called another man to be His disciple. The man accepted the call but said that he would have to wait until after his elderly father died (Lk 9:59). Jesus implied that, if anyone delayed in being His disciple, that man was spiritually dead (Lk 9:60).
Another person volunteered to be Jesus' disciple. He just needed to go home and say "goodbye" to his family (Lk 9:61). Jesus maintained that anyone who did not make discipleship far more important than all other relationships was not fit for the kingdom of God (Lk 9:62).
Being a disciple of Jesus is radical, total, unconditional, and sacrificial. The life of St. Francis of Assisi exemplifies this wonderfully. Are you Jesus' disciple on His terms? If so, you are making disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). In this year of the Great Jubilee, decide to be Jesus' disciple now — no matter what.
Prayer: Jesus, if I am Your disciple, I will make disciples who disciple others. I will follow You and take up Your cross.
Promise: "He does great things past finding out, marvelous things beyond reckoning." —Jb 9:10
Praise: St. Francis followed Christ by being true to the Church, in his respect for and obedience to the Church's authorities.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 24, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 27, 2000