Friar’s Corner: The joy of successful discipleship

Fr. Bob Hilz, TOR

Isaiah 66:10-14c; Psalms 66:1-7. 16, 20; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

Following my observations of last week now that we are back in ordinary time, I look at joy of getting close to Jesus and following him in telling others his good news of his new life. Jesus died condemned for my sins and that of the entire human race from beginning to end. He then opened the doors to eternal joy in heaven if we follow his life plan.

As we follow the gospel stories, we see Jesus calling men and women closer to him. He told them and tells us today some of his plan. It was and still is to announce to all people on earth his power against the confusion of the world. Jesus said to his disciples,

All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age, Matthew 28:18-20.

Circles around Jesus

As I have reflected over Jesus’ public announcement to the 120 men and women following him, I put his followers in three series of circles using my Geometry class compass. I put Jesus in the center of the page. Who knew and spent the most time with Jesus? His mother, Mary, and his foster father, Joseph. As he began his public ministry, who were his closest personal friends? They were Peter, John and James in the first level next to Jesus. The next circle contains the nine apostles, which I call Jesus’ “bodyguards or Secret Service Agents.” They were trying to protect Jesus from the great crowds that were following him and wanting to touch him.

The next circle contains what St. Luke today calls the 72 disciples. These were students, as it were, learning and then being sent out on a mission, not alone, but in pairs to every town and place Jesus intended to visit. He said: “I am sending you out as sheep among wolves,” to help gather in the harvest. They were to wish peace to the homes and towns where they went and the people would provide for them.

Jesus’ press agents

These disciples went out telling the people about Jesus. I call them Jesus’ “press agents,” because there were no billboards, newspapers and other types of communication media like what we have today.

They were also bringing healing and deliverance from evil spirits in the Name of Jesus. What are devils or demons? They are the wolves Jesus was referring to in the gospel today. Devils are “angels who, in pride, turned away from God and have fallen from grace and tempt” us to be disobedient to God. Are there a lot of wolves/demons around today? We hear of them in the news media every day. A lot of it is not good news. The disciples rejoiced and said, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of Your Name.” Not all clergy have this ministry. Some have learned and are empowered to do this deliverance work. I decided not to go into that here.

In the circles around Jesus, we have the same thing in groups, extended families and parishes. You have those who are close to Jesus and those in the people he healed and preached to. In the crowd, we also see three levels. We see those who were up front and didn’t want to miss anything. I call them “faithful followers.” In parishes all around the world, they usually come to morning Mass. The early bird gets the worm. It is our best meal on earth.

Then you have the next level in the crowd, I call them, “curiosity seekers.” They were looking for what new things Jesus would do that day, like healing the blind, crippled, lame and raising the dead, and feeding thousands with a few loaves and fishes. Jesus continued to do amazing and wonderful things that others could not do.

Stone-throwers and complainers

Then we see a third level out. I call them the “stone-throwers and complainers.” They were those who were looking for ways in which Jesus was violating Jewish laws, like Matthew, the Roman tax collector and his sinful friends at dinner. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance and not the self-righteous. Among this last group, we can see some of the Jewish leaders trying to get rid of Jesus. They were complaining about his ministry and tactics.

As we look at these levels we can be really amazed. When you look at religious groups and parishes, looking more closely we can see all of these levels. So a pastor, leadership team or director should not be surprised to find their members on these levels. Why do some Sunday people sit in the last pew?  In my ministry, I am now not shocked to find complainers and those who want to get rid of me. At times I don’t always say things right or give the right examples, which do upset some in the congregation. It has been helpful for me to see these levels and not get too upset. Jesus had the same things with Judas.

As I present this information it is not to put anyone or group down. It is just to have a better sense of how close or far away from Jesus I am. Wherever I am is simply where I am. I don’t have to stay there. I can get closer to Jesus and his church or I can leave. If I leave, where shall I go? Jesus and the mainstream of his church have the words and direction to eternal life in heaven. Nothing is perfect here on earth.

Let these simple words help and encourage you to get closer to Jesus each day. Those who come to daily Mass are having “breakfast with Jesus.” It may not be with perfect people yet I think those present are the growing saints of the parish. Each parish has those saints. This is amazing grace. Jesus is the food. And the parish will not send you a bill. Jesus gives us the gift of himself. What can we offer in return?

Have a great week enjoying a deeper life with Jesus. We can leave Mass “light up with Jesus,” more on fire with his love.

+  Father Bob Hilz
fbhilz@gmail.com

(© 2019 Father Bob Hilz, TOR)