Making Disciples

Gospel: John 1: 45-51

The latest fad in church world is "forming disciples" - getting people to become active disciples in the church.  And naturally we attempt to do this through pricey programs of formation, workshops, classes, and the like - exactly none of which will make someone a disciples but will ensure someone makes money and keep people in jobs that only create ministerial dependency.  

When Jesus calls disciples, as he does in today's Gospel portion, he invites them to come and see, and he invites them to participate in the work he is doing.  That work of Jesus consists in healing others, delivering them from what possesses and binds them, and in nourishing and feeding others.  The disciples are invited to watch Jesus first, then to go and do these deeds of love and mercy.  That's it.  No courses, no workshops.  

If we really want people to be disciples of the Lord, we would do as Jesus did and get them engaged in the work right away.  That we have so few disciples suggests that our way is not working, that we ought to proceed as Jesus did.  So, today is the day: go out and serve others - provide healing, deliver people from distress and grief, nourish and feed people.  And come to church to be renewed to do these things, not to seek permission to do them.