Tempus Fugit is a Latin phrase that translates into “time flies.” Indeed, time moves by swiftly. If you do not know what I mean, then just ask one of our nearly 6,000 Catholic school students or 400-plus teachers who find themselves, after a summer respite, entering the classroom again in one of our 25 schools for the new academic year. I am sure that you join me in wishing them—along with the administrators, aides and support staff—an abundance of God’s blessings as they respond to the school bell’s ringing. The school bells aren’t just ringing for students and teachers, though—they’re ringing for all who aspire to be true Christian disciples.
Someone recently gave me a book entitled Called on the Way: The Daily Practice of Discipleship by Kathleen Cahalan and Laura Kelly Fanucci. I was drawn to this book, perhaps because of the many calls by Pope Francis for us to become “missionary disciples.” It was similar to a book I’ve used in ministry in the past, called Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus, by Sherry Weddell.
What is a disciple? Typically we associate this word with someone who follows a leader or master. A Christian disciple is one who follows Jesus—who is the way, the truth and the life. But discipleship is more than just following. The word “disciple” itself is of Latin origin, and it means “someone who learns.” A disciple is a learner who embraces the possibility of conversion. If a Christian disciple is a learner, then it goes without saying that every disciple is a student of the great teacher, Jesus.
I encourage us to embrace this time of going “back to school” as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the pursuit of learning and growing in the Faith. When I celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for our eighth-grade students, I always say, “None of us can live a successful and faithful adult life on an eighth-grade faith.” The point is that we must continue to learn and grow in our relationship with Jesus and His Church.
Where is God calling us to learn about Him? Think of the family as the “first classroom.” Perhaps God might be calling us to look at our families with new eyes and listen with new ears. It is just as important that we continue to listen to one another. When listening ceases, growth ends. Perhaps we need to grow in our listening skills. God could also be calling us to the “classroom” of our parish. Every parish and parish partnership has an array of opportunities to learn and grow as disciples. For example, in addition to Holy Mass and the Sacraments, parishes have adult religious education programs and service opportunities, which provide another classroom for one to learn and grow as a disciple.
Let’s also talk about the “classroom” of prayer. The experience of prayer allows one to study and connect the dots of God’s grace. This pursuit of prayer is not about knowledge, per se, but encounter with Jesus Christ. As we return to this classroom, we might want to examine our prayer life and see where we might improve. If our prayer is dry and barren, perhaps we need to change things up by praying in a different place at a new time—or use a new method of prayer. Lectio Divina with the Scriptures might be the impetus we need to jumpstart our prayer life. We might also want to consider Eucharistic Adoration, Daily Mass or some devotion of the Church to energize our souls. I encourage us to consider being more attentive and focused on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
So, “Back to School!” is not just meant for school students, but for every Christian disciple. Much of this process comes down to not just following Jesus, but living and loving like him. There will eventually be a final exam on this—at the end of our time. Please God, may we all be ready! Until then, let us continue to echo the prayer of Jesus, “That all may be one.” Most especially, may we be one in aspiring to be intentional and missionary disciples.
On a final note, I ask for your prayers for our priests, as we will be participating in our Clergy Convocation from September 8 through 11. The theme for these days is: “A Positive Way Forward.” This is a time for us to go “back to school” to learn and grow in our priesthood, so that we might better serve you. In addition to talks from outside presenters on building a culture of vocations, ministering with hope in shifting parish landscapes and achieving resilience through hope and prayer, we will pray and celebrate Holy Mass together each day. And, hopefully, we will return to our flocks refreshed, renewed and reinvigorated.
