Discipleship: Where is Jesus Leading You Now? Week 26 - Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Jesus

Discipleship:  Where is Jesus Leading You Now? 
Week 26   Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Jesus 

Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, we praise You, for You are generous.  Forgive us for those times that we have strayed from Your plan for our lives.  In Your Scripture You tell us, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few; so, ask the Master of the harvest to send out laborers for His harvest.” (Luke 10:2)  Thank You for coming to us through ordinary people and inviting us to join You in Your great work of love.  Please send out laborers to help everyone experience the freedom, peace, and joy You intend for us.  Show us what part You wish us to take in this mission.  Please make our next steps toward Your mission clear and give us every grace we need to take them in faith.  Jesus, we trust in You.  We make this prayer in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
AMEN
 
 
Reflection:
Sometimes, on our journey, it’s helpful to pause for a few moments, rest, and look around.  When we take a long trip in the car, occasionally we have to stop to fill the gas tank and get something to eat.
 
Discipleship is a long journey; not just a quick trip.  As disciples, we are in for the “long haul”, growing in our relationship with Jesus.  When we gradually finish our “Walking in the Foot Prints” series, we are not “done”, but called to go forth and make disciples, sharing the Good News of Jesus.
 
So, it makes sense to stop and look around once in a while.  This month, turn to God in prayer, asking Him for the grace you most need in this moment.  Ask Him for the grace to see yourself as He sees you.  Then speak to Him as intimately as you would a friend and listen to how the Holy Spirit moves you.
 
As always, remember that we are not sprinters in a race, but marathon runners in for the distance.  That means there will be times of joy and times of difficulty, and God is present and calling you in all of them.  Our task is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Reflect on how your journey with Jesus has grown as you’ve Walked in His Foot Prints over the last nine months.  Is there a specific moment that stands out to you on this journey?
 

 
Fruits of Discipleship
We have seen it happen over and over.  The presence of a significant number of disciples changes everything:  a parish’s spiritual tone, energy level, attendance, bottom line, and what parishioners ask of their leaders.

• Disciples worship.
• Disciples love the Church and serve her with energy and joy.
• Disciples give lavishly.
• Disciples hunger to learn more about their faith.
• Disciples fill every formation class in a parish.
• Disciples manifest charisms and discern vocations.
• Disciples clamor to discern God’s call because they long to live it.
• Disciples evangelize because they have really good news to share.
• Disciples share their faith with their children.
• Disciples care about the poor and about issues of justice.
• Disciples take risks for the Kingdom of God.

 
 
(Excerpted from Forming Intentional Disciples:  The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus, Sherry A. Weddell; p. 80-81; Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division; Huntington, IN; 2006)
 
 
What have been the fruits of this Discipleship Journey for you?
 
 
What fruits of discipleship have you seen in others?
 
 
What fruits do you desire to cultivate in yourself more deeply?

 
Closing Prayer
 
Soul of Christ sanctify me.
Body of Christ save me.
Blood of Christ inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within Your wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from You.
From the wicked foe, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me and bid me come to You.
That with Your saints I may praise You
Forever and ever.
Amen.
 
                                                                           The Anima Christ