Christian

The Alphabet of Lent – Letter D

D for DISCIPLES

The expression: ‘The DISCIPLES of Jesus’ is familiar to us.
Apart from the twelve apostles whose names we know, the gospel speaks also of seventy-two disciples (Luke 10:1-24).

We imagine them listening to Jesus and following him on the roads where he walks.
Our imagination does not lead us astray: to listen to Jesus and to follow him, this is the true meaning of being a disciple.

However, there is another aspect that is required to be an authentic disciple of Christ.
Having listened to his message and walking in his steps, we then need to live according to his teaching.

But then, something wonderful takes place.
The gospel writer, Luke, speaks about it in these terms:

“He turned to his disciples and said privately,
“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it,
and to hear what you hear but did not hear it” (Luke 10:1-24).

To be a Christian, is it not to be a disciple of Christ? Of course, it is!
Could we say that our experience following the Master allows us to see what Jesus speaks about?

Have we recognized in him the image of God made flesh?
Have we received the words that he addresses to each one of us?
Have we experienced the love and compassion that he has for us personally?

If so, then we are indeed happy!!

Source: Image: The Wandering Shepherd

5th Sunday of Year A – 2023

Today’s gospel text is very short, only four verses, but with a message that is very relevant, of course (Matthew 5:13-16).
The second part of the text about Jesus’ disciples being the light of the world, is well known to us.
But the first part may be less so…
Yet, Jesus starts with an unusual example: SALT.

The sight of a cook adding a pinch of salt to a dish is familiar to us.
We know well that this seasoning is required for any type of food to be tasty,
unless you have in mind a sweet recipe, of course.

But what about salt for… our lives, or the meaning of lives being tasty?

Perhaps before understanding about OUR lives being tasty,
we need to discover about God’s reaching out to us in ways that we experience as tasty!

Psalm 34:8 tells us:
“How good is the Lord – only taste and see!”

How do we actually taste this, you may wonder.
I personally believe that EXPERIENCE is the way to taste –
to taste God’s kindness and patience, God’s love and mercy, God’s compassion and… all that God is to us!
Our lives, from day to day, provide plenty of occasions… to taste this!

The apostle Peter, writing to the first Christians, speaks about this.
He says that, having been baptized,
“You have tasted the goodness of the Lord.” (1 Peter 2:3)

Once we have made the personal experience of God, then slowly, gradually, we will take on his ways.
Perhaps slowly but certainly, our ways will become more Christ-like –
this is the meaning of being a Christian.
Then, our way of thinking, acting and reacting, will have this special likeness to Christ.

This will give our way of being with people something that draws them to him –
a taste that is unmistakably good, “salt of the earth”, no less!

In fact, it is interesting to note that, in conversation, we sometimes hear people – good, kind, helpful people –
being referred to as salt-of-the-earth people!
Could it be said of me?…

Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/5e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-2023/

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The Alphabet of Lent – Letter D

Source: Image: The Wandering Shepherd

5th Sunday of Year A – 2023

Source: Images: Unsplash Facebook