What, then, might be said about those who follow Christ, the Eternal King of heaven and earth? A disciple of Jesus is one who encounters the Lord, follows his teaching, imitates his life, and seeks first his Kingdom. A disciple of Jesus and a fan of Elvis behave very differently. There are no responsibilities incumbent upon one who is a fan of Elvis. They just sing his songs, wear clothes like his, visit Graceland, meet the same groupies at an annual convention, but that’s about it. Following Jesus brings about a transformation of our minds and hearts, so that we might think, speak, act, live and love more like Jesus.
Disciples are so much more than just “fans” of Jesus.
Our English word, disciple, comes from the Latin word, discipulus, meaning student, or is sometimes translated as follower. One of the best ways to learn about another person is simply to accompany them, to follow them around, paying close attention to their way of life. We would undoubtedly learn a lot about someone were we to simply spend time with them, noticing their behaviors and noting what concerns them. Indeed, this is precisely what we as disciples of Jesus must do: follow him in everything, allowing ourselves to be transformed by the life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior.
Though Jesus is no longer here physically in this world, the call to follow him begins with his Word. Elvis fans listen to his music, know it from memory and enjoy singing along with him. A disciple of Jesus, however, is one who constantly reflects upon the Word of God in sacred scripture, but not for entertainment purposes. We become familiar with his teaching and learn to discern what is of the Lord and what is not. Elvis fans just sing the lyrics of his songs. Disciples of Jesus live by his Words. His words enlighten their minds and transform their hearts. Discipleship flows from God’s Holy Word that calls us to make a response to what Jesus teaches.
We also become disciples by the way we study, learn and follow the Lord’s behavior. We soon discover why the Gospel of St. John teaches us that “God is love.” The Lord’s way of life is based on love. His way of life teaches us how to love one another as he has loved us. The grace of the sacraments makes us capable of heroic love, for one another and for him. Some Elvis fans might become obsessed with his image, but disciples of Jesus are to live in relationship with Jesus, to receive his love for us, to be affected by it and to return our love for him. This is a dynamic relationship, not simply a matter of nostalgia.
Whatever an obsession with Elvis affords a person in this life, it is certainly limited and short-lived. Jesus wants us to center our lives around him, precisely for our salvation. Unlike an entertainer, the Lord is our Savior, and his great desire is not simply friendship with us on this earth, but the eternal communion of life with him in his Kingdom. Yet most of us have little idea how profoundly rewarding and gratifying a life of discipleship (following and serving our Lord) can be. Jesus said to the woman at the well in the Gospel of John, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked him, and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)
For us who are his disciples, it is not enough to simply get together with him on Sundays. He wants us to follow him, to put our lives in step with his, and surrender our plans to his Holy Will. A disciple is one who seeks to become like his master, not just dress up like him. Disciples, alive in their relationship with the Lord, want to bring the joy and hope and peace they have found to others: at home, at work, in their neighborhoods, among their friends and acquaintances, and to strangers. They want all to know the gift of God’s love for them and rescue others as they have been rescued by God’s grace.
If someone asks you if you’re a “fan” of Jesus, clarify for them that you are a “disciple.” Elvis fans say they “love” the King of Rock n’ Roll. But true love is lived out in discipleship, laying down our lives in service of the one who first loved us until the end. Baptism was not some initiation into a fan club. Rather, baptism gave us a new dignity – as a child of God. And with this new dignity comes serious responsibilities: to love one another as Christ has loved us. May the joy of being a disciple of Jesus sustain us in the service of the one whom we love, becoming more like Our Blessed Lord and not just dressing up like him.
