Originally published at Orange County Catholic
DISCIPLESHIP IS A life-long response that begins at baptism. When children are baptized, the celebrant asks the parents, “What do you ask of God’s Church for N.?” For adults who are baptized later, they are asked this question directly. Regardless of the age, the answer given is the same: “Baptism.” Other responses following this include “faith,” “eternal life” and “the grace of Christ.”
As children grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus, they must be taught to listen to Him and recognize His invitations. This is done by teaching them how to pray and becoming familiar with Sacred Scripture, especially the Gospels. To be a disciple of Jesus Christ simply means responding to His invitation to be with Him.
When the first disciples of John began to follow Jesus, their encounter revealed an interesting exchange of questions. “Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come, and you will see.’ So, they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon” (Jn.1:38-39).
