Embracing the Journey of Discipleship: A Reflection on the Gospel of Matthew
The Significance of Commencement
Greetings to all of you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I am Fr Richard Healey, and today I want to share with you a reflection that has been on my heart. As we gather together in our beloved church, I am reminded of the pomp and circumstance of graduation ceremonies. These events are filled with commencement speeches that mark not only the completion of academic studies but also the beginning of a new chapter in life. It’s a moment of transition that is both an end and a beginning, and it’s this concept of commencement that I find deeply resonant with our Christian journey of discipleship.
The Continual Call to Discipleship
In our faith, there is no final graduation. We are forever students of Christ, continually invited to take one more step along this spiritual path. It’s a journey without end, where each day presents a new opportunity to learn, to grow, and to deepen our relationship with God.
Lessons from the Gospel of Matthew
Let us turn our attention to the Gospel of Matthew, where we find a profound scene of the disciples meeting Jesus on a mountain. This encounter is pivotal, as most of them worship, yet some hesitate. It’s a stark reminder of our human nature, where faith and doubt often coexist. We see this again when Peter, full of faith, walks on water towards Jesus but begins to sink as soon as he takes his eyes off the Lord. It’s a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual walk; when we focus on Christ, we are capable of miraculous feats, but when we let doubt creep in, we falter.
The Great Commission and Making Disciples
The Great Commission is at the heart of our calling. Jesus commands us to make disciples, baptize, and teach. While the Church has diligently worked on baptizing and teaching, our primary mission is to make disciples. I am particularly moved by a beautiful model from the early second century, which describes disciples as those who walk so closely behind their master that they are covered in the dust of their rabbi. This image captures the essence of discipleship – an intimate, transformative journey taken within the embrace of a community.
The Challenges and Rewards of Discipleship
Discipleship is not without its challenges. There will be times when our faith is strong and other times when we are beset by doubts. It’s in these moments that we must look to Jesus, pray to become more like Him, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I encourage each of you to recommit to this journey, to deepen your discipleship, and to share the boundless gift of God’s love with others, even when we don’t have all the answers.
Walking Together in Faith
In closing, I want to reassure you that we are never alone on this path. Jesus walks beside us, and the Holy Spirit is ever-present, guiding and comforting us. Let us recommit ourselves to worship and to sharing the gospel and love of God with everyone we meet. The way of discipleship is a journey that begins with a single step along the path, inviting others to join us, and it leads to transformation through the profound love of God.
May we all embrace this journey with open hearts, knowing that with each step, we are drawing closer to the heart of God. Let us go forth, covered in the dust of our Rabbi, and live out the Great Commission with renewed vigour and love. Amen.