Reflections on Lent and true discipleship

by Camillus FERNANDO

Suffering is part and parcel of Christian Life. The value of suffering has been praised by the venerated stigmatist Saint Padre Pio thus, "If you knew the value of suffering you would never give it up". Those who suffer are the jewels of the Church. Saints have voluntarily undergone the crucible of suffering to imitate their saviour who has silently suffered for them bearing reproach, humiliation and death on the tree.

The Christian is encouraged to devote more time to prayer and meditation especially dwelling on the sufferings of Christ on the cross which was the Instrument that saved him, freed from his sins and reconciled him to the Father "Glory in the cross of Christ", observed St. Paul, by reflecting on the suffering of Christ the Christian draws valuable lessons to bear silently and patiently the hardship he has to undergo in this world, and bear them without resentment, remorse or complaint; "Sufferings in this world for the sake of Christ cannot be compared to the happiness to come in the next" wrote the Apostle of the Gentiles.

The laity like the religious are requested to be a source of consolation to the agonising heart of Christ, virtue of humility is to grow instead of pride, since St. Therese of the Child Jesus said, "We can meet God only in the valley of humility."

Attending Mass during this period is encouraged, since it is the heart of Christianity from which all graces flow. The drama of Calvary is re-enacted at Mass. The great spiritual exercise the "Way of the Cross" which the laymen are induced to make, reminds them of the journey traversed by Christ to the hill of Calvary.

The Christian who is a beacon of light not to be hidden under a bushel, is requested to give alms to the poor in expiation of his sins and undertake good work, especially, charity which should not be confined to one's home.

All in all, it is a season of repentance and change of heart a new outlook. A Christian should be a model, he could share the good things in life with the poor to whom the crucified Christ preached the gospel, then the real significance of lent will be translated into real action. Active deeds and not words will count and would be eligible to share in the joys of the risen Christ at Easter.

The fulfilment of one's state of life and the observance of his laws, could be translated as sacrifice and penance as taught by Christ. Thomas Kempis in his "Imitation of Christ" wrote "There is no escape from the cross which will be in front as well as behind us". It is the emblem of suffering and triumph. The Master said "Take it up daily and follow me" a symbol of true discipleship. A hard saying, will we take it up or abandon it?

"Discipleship is not an easy journey on a level road. The ultimate goal of Discipleship is glory. The way is one of imitating Christ who lived in love and died for love on the Cross. The disciple must, so to speak, enter into Christ with all his own self.

He must appropriate and assimilate the whole of himself. Christ must enter into his ego to free him from selfishness and pride. This Cross, sign of love and of total giving, is therefore the emblem of the disciple called to be configured to the glorious Christ.

He lays down three specific and hard to accept conditions for all who seek to live the Christian life and be his true followers.

Jesus does not simply state the condition for discipleship. He goes one step further and as if he has calculated what it will cost his followers.

First Jesus says, "Whoever comes to me and does hate father, mother, wife and children, yes and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.

His next challenge is equally severe. "Whoever does not carry the Cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." No one seeks problems, difficulties but, they will come. Jesus challenges us to bear the Cross, not to take short cuts in life. Lastly, he challenges the world's fascination with materialism, "None of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions". This comment strikes at the very heart of contemporary society. To be disciples places us in conflict with the world.

Following Jesus involves more than enjoying the wonder of His forgiveness. It challenges us to put Christ, His body, and His mission above our own natural commitments to home, work and happiness.

This call to discipleship is the goal of Christ-likeness as we make it our highest desire to join Jesus in His prayer: "Nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done" (22:42).

This is the kind of faith that enables us to follow Jesus into our own time and world. But such radical commitment is not what it takes to be born into the family of God.

"Father, there are many things I regret doing, and other things, like skeletons in the cupboard, that I am ashamed of. Help me to turn to you and express my regret and my shame and mourn for these things. "For when I go to the depths of my heart, I shall find you there waiting for me with the compassion and graciousness I cannot show myself".