Many people around the world have tried to be ‘salt and light’ in their own individual way as a source of Godly influence in the world and to carry out the demands of discipleship.
“You are the salt of the earth…you are light of the world” Matthew 5:13-16
One example is Mother Teresa. She was an Albanian Roman Catholic nun who devoted herself to the apostolic orders of leading a public life of prayer and community work for the sick, the poor, the destitute and the dying in Calcutta, India. She founded the Order of the Missionaries of Charity, whose nuns now work amongst the poor all over the world. She often referred that it isn’t what you do for God that counts, but how much love you pour into it. Mother Teresa is a true example of discipleship as she chose to do the will of God over individual happiness and materialism.
“Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.” Matthew 5:3
Another example of a true disciple of Jesus is Maximilian Kolbe. Father Kolbe’s mission in the priesthood was to be a spiritual soldier. Through his work, teaching and prayer, he led a spiritual formation that would bring others to Jesus. However, when Second World War started, his priesthood mission was a target of hatred for the Germans and he was imprisoned for his faith and transferred to the concentration camps. During his time there, he would share his meager rations of food with those around him who were hungry. He would secretly hear confessions and hold Mass for others in the camp. His work, even under these terrible conditions, continued. He would comfort the prisoners, saying…
"Hate is not creative. Our sorrow is necessary that those who live after us may be happy."
Father Kolbe was the last to die when he sacrificed his own life in place of another prisoner. He died proudly for his faith. Maximilian Kolbe is a true example of Jesus, especially in his suffering for the right without retaliation, in his love for enemies and in his forgiveness for those who persecuted him.
“All however must be prepared to confess Christ before men and to follow him along the way of the Cross, amidst the persecutions which the Church never lacks.” Catechism 1816.
Today, discipleship has helped lay people to commit themselves further to the teaching of Jesus as they choose to be ordained. This may be as a deacon, priest, or bishop, through charity or missionary work or in a Christian community to take on contemplative, apostolic or the sacrament of the holy orders. They are required to turn their back on personal wishes and commit themselves to God regardless of cost.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.” Mark 10:45
For some, in Roman Catholic Church, this means taking a vow of Celibacy, for others entering religious orders, this means taking a vow of celibacy, poverty and obedience. They preach the gospels to their fellow children about the good news of God’s kingdom and they live their lives based on love for God and for their neighbors.
“If you have love for one another, everyone will know you are my disciples.” John 13:35
Those who adopt the monastic life of renunciation are consecrated to God through poverty, chastity and obedience. They disallow themselves to be tied down by possessions so that they can seek deep intimacy and complete dedication to God and to his community. Children take on their own responsibilities during confirmation in order to renew their faith, to seal himself in his love, and to strengthen them for his service.
Today, many Christians have disregarded the teachings about discipleship as our hectic and busy lives rule over us. This shouldn’t be the case as the nature of discipleship should always be a part of our Christian lives and not fitted in whenever possible.
