Lk 1:39-40 : Mary set out and travelled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
In this, Mary is a Disciple of God on a Mission to Zechariah and Elizabeth to proclaim God's Son. It is also Elizabeth who is a Disciple of God on a Mission to welcome Mary as she carries the fore-runner for Christ.
To “Be a Disciple and then go Make Disciples” requires a few disciplines :
1Encounter
For us to evangelise, we first need to encounter Jesus as he calls us to “Follow Him”. Deeper meaning of who Jesus really is, must be searched and discovered. Through a personal encounter with Jesus, our Christian identity is revealed in our commitment to God and put into action within the community.
2Conversion
Listening and believing in Jesus is through the action of the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit intervening, there will be changes on how we think, live and accept.
3Discipleship
Being a disciple for Jesus, we need to have the knowledge, love and go deeper into the mystery of Jesus understanding on who He is as person, His example and His teachings. To preserve our Christian life and mission, there must be ongoing catechesis.
4Communion
Christian life begins in the community. A disciple takes part in the life of the Church, working with one another, be in solidarity and fostering fraternal life. Accompaniment and encouragement are matured through the Holy Spirit.
5Mission
When the encounter with Christ is secured and with the Love of God, then mission work is shared and joy is at hand. Making unnecessary to necessary. Mission is inseparable from Discipleship.
Reflection
Being Christians of today, are we ready to be a Disciple, always on a Mission on behalf of God? ✜
Scripture, prayer and the closing quote
Scripture of the Day
Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6
Psalm 95: 1, 3-5, 7-10
1 Thessalonians 1: 1-5
Matthew 22: 15-21
“One in Christ – Missionary disciples united in him and with our brothers and sisters. The mystery of union with Christ lies at the heart of mission”
Published by: Archdiocesan Pastoral Institute (API) | Email: [email protected]