Grateful Discipleship: New Testament Reflections

Some of us may have found ourselves in environments over the past weeks with a good amount of “unwrapping” going on. That action got me to thinking…let us together “unwrap” the gifts God has placed within us and use them to build a healthier church.

“If you are feeling too comfortable it’s probably because you took the easy road.” Over the past twenty plus years I have said this to my four children more times than I can remember. I have questioned myself too. Mainly in the context of selfishness verses looking outward and self-centeredness over sacrifice.

I remind them and am reminded myself that God is working in and through us. We just need to pay attention.

A way to clean out the clutter in our minds and souls and stay steady on the journey heavenward is through prayer, sacraments, and to spend time reflecting on God’s Word.

After all, we are called to be witnesses to the gospel and with generosity and with humility serve God. We are called to be unselfish, faithful disciples.

To awaken or reawaken a space in our life for childlike curiosity about discipleship we can spend intentional time with the New Testament. Here is where we are inspired to imitate the perfect model of discipleship, Jesus.

The New Testament is filled with what life was like with Jesus and those who followed him. The parables and teachings are not necessarily feel-good messages meant to make us warm and comfy. Instead, with the kindness and gentleness only Jesus can provide, His parables and teachings help us come to know our mission, the mission work He has designed for us.

The Holy Spirit guides our actions.

In gratitude, or by living a Eucharistic life, we respond by sharing the immense gifts Our Lord has placed within us to glorify Him. The human person and their encounter with Jesus are always at the forefront of building the Kingdom of God.

God makes all things great and therefore our most humble offering of time, talent and treasure will not only increase our faithfulness, but also deepen our love for the Lord and bring someone who has not yet met His grace and mercy to love and know Him.

Christ By The Sea Collaborative has launched an initiative called Grateful Discipleship.

This is an exciting opportunity for personal growth in response to discipleship and a way for us together to commit and recommit to more vibrant parish ministries.

Thoughtful information to aid us in pondering stewardship will be made available through weekly homilies offered by our priests and deacons, announcements via postal mail, Flocknote, and Grateful Discipleship materials in the bulletins.

Also, St. Anthony and St. Mary Parishes will blend “Mardi Gras” and “Grateful Discipleship” on the weekend of February 10th and 11th. Please plan on attending this celebratory weekend of the closing of Ordinary Time before the start of the traditional Lenten Season with events focused on growing our parishes and doing everything for the Glory of God!

We also extend to all a heartfelt invitation to join a weekly small group to reflect on New Testament scripture references: John 1:35-42, Luke 17:11-19, Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

After refreshing my mind of the above passages, I came away with a renewed sense of purpose about discipleship and wrote this prayer. Please pray it with me:

Dear Jesus, I am chosen by God and He has created me uniquely for good works. Help me, Jesus, to imitate you by pondering your teachings in the New Testament. All that I have God has given to me. Help me, Jesus, to use my skills and abilities not for validation from others but to glorify my Father in heaven. True happiness comes with living a life aligned with God’s will. Help me, Jesus, to serve in unity with others so your church will flourish. Amen.

Tina DelGuidice Pastoral Council Member Vocations Team