Come Follow Me

Our Scripture passage comes from the Gospel of Mark 14:12–16 and 22–26. This account of the Last Supper on the Feast of Passover provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the gift of the Eucharist and to deepen our appreciation of the importance of this Sacrament for disciples. It is through this meal that Jesus establishes the New Covenant with us in His Blood. Through the prophetic instruction of His words and the identification of Himself with the bread and wine, Jesus is teaching us about the meaning of the Eucharist and its intended effect in our lives. 

Our Scripture passage comes from the Gospel of Matthew 28:16–20. In this text we read of Jesus' Great Commission to the Church to go forth and make disciples of all nations. Following this Great Commission, Jesus then goes on to specify the two particular ministries that are necessary in order to make disciples: Baptism and teaching. These two ministries are analogous to necessary ingredients of a recipe. Let's look at each of these ministries so as to better understand how we can fulfill our Lord's Great Commission and make disciples in our world today.

Our Scripture passage comes from the Gospel of John 20:19–23. It is the scene of the Risen Christ sending the Apostles and “breathing” on them. It is an appropriate passage to reflect on as we celebrate the moment when the first disciples were enlivened by the Holy Spirit and filled with enthusiasm to continue the mission of Jesus.

Our Gospel passage is taken from Mark 16:15–20. In this passage we hear Jesus' final instruction to the disciples before the Lord ascends. These instructions provide a lasting lesson for the Church and all disciples as we strive to carry out the mission entrusted to us. Let's look at this passage and reflect on some particular aspects of it.

Our Scripture passage comes from the Gospel of John 15:9–17. In this passage Jesus continues His instruction on love as the defining quality of discipleship. In order for disciples to remain in the abiding love, life, and joy of Jesus, they will need to keep His commandments. A disciple can be obedient out of a variety of possible motivations. In this teaching Jesus reminds us that our primary motivation for keeping His commandments should be our relationship with the Lord as friends rather than servants or slaves. The Greek word doulos is often translated as either “slave” or “servant”. Both translations are valid and each term offers insights into some distinctive aspects of discipleship. It should be noted that many great people of faith in the Old Testament and the New Testament were described as being the doulos of God. Some examples include Moses in Deuteronomy 34:5, Joshua in Joshua 24:29, David in Psalm 89:20, Paul in Titus 1:1 and James in James 1:1).

Our Scripture passage comes from the Gospel of Luke 24:35–48. In this reading, we heard of the two disciples returning from Emmaus and relating their encounter of the Risen Lord to the others gathered in Jerusalem. It is in this context that Jesus appears, opens their minds to the Scriptures, and commissions them to preach repentance to the nations. We continue to experience these same effects of the Risen Christ in our lives. As disciples, it is important for us to study this passage so as to better understand our encounter of the Risen Lord as well.

This Sunday we celebrate the great Solemnity of our Lord's Resurrection (Easter). The primary liturgy for this celebration is the Easter Vigil. Our Scripture passage for this liturgy is taken from the Gospel of Mark 16:1–7. The New Testament accounts of the Resurrection of Jesus are well known to us. Due to our familiarity with these texts we can easily overlook significant details by which each of the Gospel writers wished to communicate particular meaning. The Gospel of Mark offers numerous insights that are meant to inspire, encourage, and guide our lives as disciples.

Our Scripture passage comes from the Gospel of John 12:20–33. In this passage we see that the long-awaited “Hour” of Jesus has finally arrived. This hour was first alluded to in John 2:4 and further commented on in 7:6, 8, 30 and 8:20. The “Hour” of Jesus is not a chronological hour of 60 minutes, but rather signifies the culminating experience for which He was sent into the world: The “Hour” of Jesus is the event of His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

Our Scripture passage for the Third Sunday of Lent comes from the Gospel of John 2:13–25. This is the story of Jesus Cleansing the Temple. Although Matthew, Mark, and Luke all place this moment at the end of Jesus' ministry, John places it at the very beginning and as one of our Lord's first public actions. In doing so, John is telling us that the cleansing of our temple has to be one of the first actions we experience as disciples of Jesus. This is an important message for us during this Lenten Time.

Our Scripture passage comes from the Gospel of Mark 9:2–10. This is the scene of Jesus' transfiguration and it is a fascinating revelation to the disciples of Jesus' inner identity and mission. This interesting event is contained in the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), as well as the Second Letter of Peter (2 Pt 1:16–18). This multiple attestation means that the Transfiguration was a significant event in the life of Jesus that is important for our lives of discipleship as well. For that reason this account was carefully preserved by the 1st Century Church. There are several points for our reflection. 

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Mark 1:29–39. In this text we read of Jesus going to the home of Simon Peter and healing his mother-in-law. This passage is a wonderful instruction for us as disciples so that we can experience and respond to the Lord's grace in our lives with fidelity and generosity.

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Mark 1:21–28. This is the inaugural scene of Jesus' public ministry in Mark's Gospel. In this text, we read of Jesus going to the synagogue on the Sabbath and healing the man with the unclean spirit. There are some important lessons for us as disciples as we pray to encounter the Lord each Sunday in our local faith communities.

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Mark 1:14–20. In this text we read of Jesus starting His public ministry and calling His first disciples to follow Him. There are some significant elements in this passage that are worthy of our reflection as we follow the Lord as well.

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of John 1:35–42. In this reading we hear of the first disciples who follow Jesus. Rather than simply telling us the story of what happened, John shares with us the important dialogue that takes place between Jesus and those two disciples. That dialogue is meant to take place in our lives of discipleship as well. Thus, this passage offers important insights to guide us as we seek to follow Jesus.

Our Scripture passage for the Fourth Sunday of Advent comes from the Gospel of Luke 1:26–38. In this reading we are presented with the person of Mary as a model for us in our Advent preparation. This passage is oftentimes referred to as the “Annunciation” because it tells of the angel Gabriel “announcing” to Mary the role she is asked to fulfill in God's saving work. As disciples who desire to hear the Word of God and do it in our own lives, we have much to learn from the faithful example demonstrated in the Blessed Mother of Jesus who said “yes” to the will of God in her life.

Our Scripture passage for this Third Sunday of Advent comes from the Gospel of John 1:6–8 and 19–28. This reading introduces John the Baptist and his ministry as a witness of faith. John is an effective witness because he possesses three essential qualities of an authentic disciple. He is honest about who he is not, he acknowledges who Jesus is, and he establishes his identity in relation to Jesus.

Our Scripture passage for the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, comes from the Gospel of Matthew 25:31–46. This weekend we celebrate the final Sunday in our liturgical year. This is the well-known parable of divine judgment commonly called the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. It tells us that judgment will be based on the actions of charity commonly known as the Corporal Works of Mercy. This passage is particularly important since it is the final public teaching of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel, and the fourth and final in a series of parables concerning divine judgment. There are some interesting aspects of this parable that make it especially challenging for us as disciples.On the surface the parable offers two important points for our consideration. First, Jesus reveals that every charitable encounter is actually an encounter with the Lord Himself. It is this encounter with God through works of mercy and charity that distinguishes holy Christian service from merely humanitarian good efforts....{ } The second thing Jesus reveals is that there are privileged places of encounter where we meet the Lord more immediately, intensely, and readily than other places. 

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 25:14–30. This teaching is commonly known as the Parable of the Talents. In the parable we hear of a master who entrusted a large sum of money (five talents was worth fifteen years' wages) to each of his three servants and of how each servant responded to such responsibility while they awaited the master's return. While this passage is often used to encourage the development of human skills or to praise industrious efforts, Scripture scholars agree that the real commission to which Jesus is referring is that of multiplying the gift of Christian faith itself. This teaching has much to offer us as disciples and challenges us to reflect on how well we have multiplied the gift of faith and the message of the Gospel we have received. 

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 25:1–13. In this text we read the story of the ten maidens who await the return of the bridegroom with varying degrees of preparedness. The response of the bridegroom may seem strange and even harsh. Our Lord told this parable so as to encourage disciples to use wisely and timely the opportunities for faithful preparation while they are available. This passage offers us important reflections to guide our own spiritual preparation to meet the Lord as well.

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 23:1–12. In this text, we hear Jesus instructing His disciples on certain pitfalls to be avoided both in their roles as religious followers and religious leaders. These cautions offer a timeless counsel for us as well because we can face many of the same pitfalls that sometimes arise from human weakness in any organization.

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 22:34–40. This text tells of the Lawyer's challenge for Jesus to identify the “greatest” commandment, to which the Lord responds by offering the joint instruction to love God and neighbor. This passage appears to be very simple on the surface, yet it offers some profound challenges for discipleship.

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 22:15–21. In this text we read of how the Pharisees conspire with the Herodians to trap Jesus with a question concerning the payment of tax to the Romans. Jesus turns their question into a greater challenge of discipleship. 

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 22:1–14. In this passage, we read the Parable of the Wedding Feast that contains several surprises and cautions for us as disciples. Some of the elements in this parable are similar to the Parable of the Vineyard, such as the violent response of the tenants toward the Son and the response of the Master. Also, this parable shares some similarities with the Parable of the Two Sons, such as initial commitment but subsequent rejection of the invitation. In addition to these similarities, there are also new elements in this week's passage that are distinctive to Matthew's account, so we will focus our reflection on these particular elements. 

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 21:33–46. In this parable, Jesus continues to challenge the religious leadership of Jerusalem in an effort to motivate their positive response of faith to the message of the Gospel. While there are many good reasons that should motivate a person to accept the Gospel message, in this parable Jesus begins to also present the reality of negative judgment on those who reject His message. This teaching offers several challenging insights for us as disciples as well. 

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 21:28–32. In this reading, we hear the story of the two brothers who respond differently to the request of the Father. One brother says what the father wants to hear while the other brother eventually does what the father wills. Ultimately it is the one who actually does the will of the father that Jesus esteems. These two practical examples emphasize the importance of actions over words when it comes to our lives of faith. Thus, this teaching offers important insights for the life of discipleship.

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 20:1–16a. In this text, Jesus teaches us about the generosity of God by using the Parable of the Vineyard Owner. This parable gives us insights into the mind of God that challenge our commonly held notions of fairness and generosity. As disciples, we are called to take on the “mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16), and so this parable challenges us to think differently about how we exercise fairness and generosity in our lives. The process of thinking differently with its resultant practical change in life is more commonly known as repentance. 

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 18:15–20. In this reading, Jesus teaches us the importance of charitable correction for those who are harming themselves or the community. Disciples have the responsibility of helping others pursue a life of holiness, and sometimes that can require helping others turn away from serious and sinful actions. This passage is an important instruction for us on how we can seek the good of others in the most constructive and charitable way. The Lord knows that when we are offended we will respond. In this passage, Jesus is teaching disciples to respond in the right way. 

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 16:21–28. In this reading, we hear of how Peter turns quickly and easily from thinking as God does to thinking as men do. In doing so, Peter tries to deter Jesus from embracing His passion in Jerusalem. Peter's statements of misguided faith and Jesus' corrective responses to Peter are instructive to us in our discipleship as well. 

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 16:13–20. This is the famous passage in which Peter professes the identity of Jesus and receives the commission to be the “Rock” on which the Church is founded. The dialogue between Jesus and Peter offers several points for our reflection as disciples who are called to profess our faith in Jesus as well. 

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 15:21–28. In this reading, we hear of Jesus encountering the Canaanite woman who seeks her daughter's healing. The discourse between Jesus and the woman may strike us as awkward and even offensive. However, at the end of the passage, the Lord proclaims her to be a person of “great faith”. This is a distinction our Lord rarely gives, and we should pay close attention to this passage because it is an instruction for us in how we can be people of great faith as well.

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 14:22–33. It is the story of Jesus walking on the water toward the disciples in the boat and of Peter's faltering faith that causes him to sink into the stormy waves. This passage has much to teach us about discipleship and correct faith.

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 14:13–21. This is the famous scene of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, and it was obviously an important teaching in the life of the early Church because there are six similar accounts in the four Gospels (Mt 14:13–21, Mk 6:35–44, Lk 9:12–17, Jn 6:1–15, Mt 15:32–39 and Mk 8:1–10). Indeed, this passage has much to say about the life of discipleship and how we cooperate with the Lord's grace so as to meet the overwhelming needs we face each day. 

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 13:44–52. In this section, Jesus teaches three more parables to communicate the mystery of the Kingdom: the Buried Treasure, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Dragnet. Each of these parables offers us a challenging teaching on discipleship and is meant to encourage our total irrevocable commitment to the Lord, as well as govern and focus our missionary outreach to others. 

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 13:24–43. In this section of Matthew's Gospel, our Lord continues to teach us about the Kingdom of God through the use of parables. As with all parables, the intended meaning is often found in the unexpected elements of surprise. Although these stories may seem like simple accounts from an agrarian culture, they are instructive and challenging for disciples of all times and offer several points for our prayer and reflection. 

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 13:1–23. This reading contains the familiar parable of the Sower and the Seed and includes an extended reflection on the various types of soil that possess differing degrees of fertility, receptivity, and potential for growth. This parable offers a challenging teaching to us as disciples so that we might strive to be the good soil in which the Word of God can take root and grow to maturity. 

Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from the Gospel of Matthew 11:25–30. In this passage, we hear Jesus offering a prayer of thanksgiving to the Father in the midst of a difficult ministry experience. Jesus also issues an invitation to discipleship by appealing to the hungers of the human heart. Let's study this passage more to see how it might speak to our lives as disciples.