I was on a cruise ship in the middle of the Caribbean, when I saw the man on the other side of the ship. He was wearing a shirt that said "Texas A&M". He saw me too. I had a Texas A&M hat on. We smiled, waved at one another, and started to walk toward each other. We did this because there is a shared experience and bond between Texas A&M Aggies. We chatted for several minutes and had fun talking about our time as students. We had marked ourselves, with our clothing (and Aggie rings) as Aggies. It was a moment that would not have happened had we not recognized that we identified each other as such. The outward characteristics of being an Aggie was something we shared. Something that marked us as each being one.
Being a disciple of Jesus should also show through in our lives (mark us), and much more deeply, in several ways. In fact, being a disciple of Jesus, marks our souls in three Sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders) and changes our very being in others. Even outside of the Sacraments, our life of discipleship should be the primary marking in our lives. It should be our very identity as disciples (followers) of Jesus. Below are several of these characteristics or marks of discipleship.
12 Characteristics of Catholic Discipleship
Disciples are called - Luke 5:1-11 perfectly illustrates this, when Jesus calls his first disciples. God always acts first! Jesus came to the fishermen and gave them an invitation. It was only after this invitation to discipleship that our choice matters. Jesus has called each of us. The next step is...
Disciples intentionally respond to Jesus' call - After we are called, then a disciple must respond positively to the call! If Peter had not dropped his nets (Luke 5:11) and followed Jesus, he would not be a disciple. You can't follow, if you don't make a choice. Discipleship is never inherited or accidental!
Disciples love - This is a primary characteristic of a disciple. Love of God and love of others. Jesus says that others will know we are disciples by our love for one another. (John 13:35). Yet, how short we all fall. How can we better love our fellow Catholics? Our neighbors? Our families?
Disciples are fruitful - In fact, Jesus says that being fruitful PROVES that you are his disciple. "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples" -John 15:8.
Disciples are obedient - Go a little farther in John 15 and you find in John 15:14 - "you are my friends if you do what I command". Notice, we can't be called a friend of Jesus and remain in our disobedience. It is a non-starter.
Disciples are taught - In Scripture, we constantly find the disciples of Jesus learning from Him. One example is Matt 13:10-17, when Jesus explains his parables to the disciples and not others. They listen and then implement the teaching in their lives (or at least attempt to). We too have to follow this model. The life of a Christian disciple is one of lifelong learning.
Disciples follow - The word, "disciple", means "follower". All of our life of discipleship starts with following Jesus. We must do as he did. Love as he loved. Choose what he chose. "Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him" -Luke 8:1
Disciples keep an eye on Heaven - The life we live now is not our final home. In fact, we are made to live with God forever in heaven. Still, a heavenly home is determined by our decisions in this life. The prize of heaven is a gift we must keep our eyes on, so that we don't lose the eternal perspective of God. Just as Peter, James, and John caught a glimpse of God’s glory at the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36), we too need to keep our eyes on heaven.
Disciples carry crosses - Discipleship isn't easy. Jesus puts it this way, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." -Luke 9:23. We should never forget that suffering is a part of discipleship. It isn't merely about feel-good emotions and good times.
Disciples spend time with Jesus in prayer - If we do what Jesus did, then we need to live in an intimate relationship with God. "He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” -Luke 11:1
Disciples love and serve God (and others) - Think of the many times the disciples were called to serve. Jesus commands his 12 to be the ones to serve the crowds at the breaking of the loaves and fishes (Matt 14:17-19), to heal the sick, to drive out demons, etc. The life of a disciple isn't about you!
Disciples make other disciples - Ultimately, we need to do what Jesus did, which means to "go and make disciples" (Matt 28:16-20). This was his final command and one we cannot avoid. How can we make other disciples in our own time and place?
The life of a disciple can be a challenge and one that we all need to grow in. Yet, it is never done alone. If you are struggling in your own discipleship, then reach out to another Catholic disciple and walk with them. We are not meant to be disciples by ourselves.
If you are a Catholic professional and want to learn how you can be more fruitful in making disciples in your own work, then reach out to us today!