To follow Jesus does not mean merely that one travels with him from place to place. It means that one learns from him, that one follows his manner of life and his way of thinking. To follow Jesus means to follow his example in the way he respects himself and other people, in his use of the things of the natural world. It means that one listens to what he says, and asks for an explanation when what he says is not understood. All of this requires that the disciple be a learner, one who can learn from the life of Jesus as well as from his teaching.
The first lessons that the disciples must learn are found in the beatitudes. The same lessons are placed before us, the modern-day disciples. The setting of Jesus’ teaching is so serene; a mountain apart, a teacher with his disciples gathered around him, simple statements that are coupled with glorious rewards. However, the reality of the lessons is in stark contrast with this tranquil scene. These beatitudes, these blessings call for profound inner transformation.
The gospel outlines the kind of person the disciple is to become; the psalm sketches the program to which the learner is called. The disciples of Jesus are not merely his followers; they also continue the work that he began. In whatever circumstance of life we find ourselves, as disciples of Jesus we work to sustain the good that is in the world and to transform whatever needs transformation.
© Dianne Bergant CSA, https://www.liturgyhelp.com/calendar/date/2026Feb01/0/RefDiBer