Grow as a Disciple: Pray, Study, Engage, Serve

There have been moments in my life when I have not been able to find words for prayer, which leaves my efforts feeling unproductive and fruitless. But prayer’s worth is not measured by the words we say. Prayer is the lifting of the mind and the heart to God.

Grow as a Disciple: Pray, Study, Engage, Serve

If you’re anything like me, you probably hear today’s Gospel and immediately try to identify yourself with one type of seed Jesus talks about: the seed that fell on the path, the seed that fell on rocky ground, the seed among thorns, or the seed in good soil. But have you ever stopped to wonder why the sower is throwing seeds so haphazardly? This is worth meditating on, too.

Grow as a Disciple: Pray, Study, Engage, Serve

In today’s first reading, Israel’s king comes riding “on a colt, the foal of an ass.” This is a far cry from the horses and chariots the kings of other nations rode into battle as they sought to assert their authority and subdue their enemies. But Israel’s king is not like other kings; he banishes horses and the warrior’s bow, proclaiming peace to all the nations.

Grow as a Disciple: Pray, Study, Engage, Serve

In today’s Gospel, Christ tells the Apostles of the rewards given to those who welcome his disciples. He reminds us that God sees and values any support offered to those whom he sends to proclaim his word.

Grow as a Disciple: Pray, Study, Engage, Serve

Beginning with the original sin of Adam and Eve, humanity has lived in a way that has separated us from God’s perfect love. Despite the many ways we have tried to draw near to God, it is impossible for us to repair this relationship on our own. The ways we turn away from God, therefore, require an outpouring of mercy and forgiveness, which our loving Father is eager to offer.

Grow as a Disciple: Pray, Study, Engage, Serve

Our first reading from Exodus contains a promise: “If you hearken to my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my special possession, dearer to me than all other people.” God promises to make Israel “a kingdom of priests, a holy nation,” if they keep the covenant. Reading the rest of the Old Testament, we know how this turns out: humanity never fully keeps our part of the covenant. And yet God is faithful, despite our unfaithfulness.

Grow as a Disciple: Pray, Study, Engage, Serve

I’ll never forget the first time I understood that the Eucharist does more than unite us to Jesus (a reality that is astonishing on its own). We profess in our creed that we’re part of a communion of saints; every time we receive the Lord in holy Communion, we’re drawn into a closer union with him and with all those who are members of his Body.