Reflections on discipleship in the POPE MOBILE

Of course, it has been a long time since blogging, but right now is a good time to write.  I'm am currently sitting shotgun in the 1984 Chevy Blazer that we converted into the POPE MOBILE.  Five years ago, I began to transform an old military vehicle into a traveling evangelization machine.  Usually, on my days off during the first few years of ordained ministry, I would spend time at the formation center in our garage working on restoring the old truck into what it has become today.

Now, as we travel to Charleston, WV, I can't help but think about how important it is for us to share our Catholic faith.  Building a Pope Mobile isn't the most effective means to do this nor the only way, but being on the road in the modern metropolis sharing the Gospel with all those we encounter is powerful.

This morning, I was talking with some our seminarians about discipleship and just how important it is to share our faith with others in a concrete way.  Three components of discipleship are important to remember:

1)  GET TO KNOW THEM!  It may seem obvious, but really coming to understand WHO someone is rather than what they do is important.  Establishing a real relationship with a person takes time and we must be willing to take that time because it is the first step of discipleship

2)  BE HONEST WITH THEM!  Only when we know someone can we challenge them to grow.  In working with young adults, I've come to discover that this is what they are really looking for.  They are eager to grow in holiness and be a saint.  But many times there is simply too much false affirmation and not enough true honesty.  Be honest in discipleship.  Imperative to this, however, is our own discernment and personal growth in the faith life.

3)  STAY WITH THEM!  We must be willing to walk with those we disciple as they go through the gunk of sin.  This can be difficult because it drudges up our own issues and failures.  However, Christ can shatter through this and the hard-work of discipleship can be so rewarding!

So here we are!  AD GENTES!  On the road, reflecting on the love of Jesus, the beauty of the Gospel and the glorious event of mission!