I think that it is extremely difficult to be a true disciple in modern times because most people take the modern lifestyle for granted and the mission now has a different meaning to the one in Jesus´ time.

part of the media but it would not have even been spoken about it Jesus’ time. In today´s world  people would be astonished if anyone abandoned their family responsibilities to become a disciple.  It is practically unheard of but it was a lot more common in the early days of the Church, some of the Apostles were married but they still left their duties to serve God. Being a modern day disciple has many implications for every area of a person´s life and nearly every word or action is as a result of Jesus´ influence on modern life. A modern day disciple would find it difficult because our world is so materialistic and it would be extremely difficult for a person to give up the wealth gained from a job. Saying that, I do think that if someone’s faith is strong enough to enable them to be a modern day disciple, even though it is not in such literal terms. There are many people who have made great sacrifices to follow Jesus and do his work in our world today. Mother Theresa of Calcutta was a strong believer in Christ and she is an example of a disciple in the modern world. Society does appear to hinder a person´s path towards discipleship but a true disciple (i.e. like the first disciples) would be able to overcome that difficulty. However, being a disciple of Jesus has many rewards even though it is very tough.  You will feel very good about yourself and you will be appropriately awarded in heaven. Personally, I disagree with the classification of a “true” disciple.  That would be to say that people who are not denying themselves all luxuries are “untrue” or partially true” disciples.  People just carry out the Mission differently. Everyone has a unique relationship with God.  In our lifetime today we are charged with a very important mission and that is to serve Jesus during our time on earth and be disciples, and also spread the word of Jesus to the people who do not yet know.  We can do this and still live a “normal” life.  We can choose to marry and then pass the Good News on to our offspring as our parents did before us and we can still live religious lives and have an active role in the church community.  Also, we can take Holy Orders and spread the word that way.  Alternatively we could become a missionary (often connected with being a priest or nun) and help the needy.  We can be true disciples in each of these scenarios and in other paths which we could take. All disciples will be challenged in what they believe in at some point in their life, all will suffer for their beliefs, and in those instances we will need to be like the first disciples - steadfast in the eyes of persecution.