A Call to Discipleship
Jesus did not establish a religion; He invited us to a way of life. What does it mean to truly become His student?
Jesus did not establish a religion; rather, Christianity was first called “the Way,” or “the New Way,” in the first-century Church. He invites us to embrace a way of life as His disciples — to become not merely followers, but students of His teachings.
Choosing the Better Part
Consider the Gospel story where Jesus visits the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. While Martha busied herself preparing food — an important part of Middle Eastern hospitality — Mary chose to sit at Jesus’s feet and learn from Him. When Martha complained, Jesus told her to leave Mary alone: she had chosen the better part.
Luke 10:42Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her.
Hospitality is significant, but spending time at His feet is even more vital.
A Humble and Contrite Heart
In the Old Testament, the prophets consistently urged the people to return to God. People often treated God as a stranger — much as the prodigal son, and his elder brother, treated their father. The prophets emphasized that God desired more than mere sacrifices; He sought a humble and contrite heart.
Seeking a Personal Relationship
While we are all called to give back, God does not desire our money. He longs for a personal relationship with each one of us — and that relationship requires time and commitment. Being a disciple means listening to Him, allowing His words to shape our daily lives. (It is also how we discover the purpose He has for us — see Purpose in Life.)
Merely attending church without engaging does not lead to transformation. Our rich Divine Liturgy presupposes a familiarity with Scripture, filled with poetry and prayers that assume knowledge of the Word.
Jesus is Knocking
I encourage you to reflect: Do you know Jesus? Are you merely a Christian who occasionally attends church, or do you actively engage with Him?
Jesus is knocking at your door. There is a famous painting that shows the door has no handle on the outside — He seeks to enter our hearts, but waits for us to open. He desires to share a meal with you, to talk and to listen.
Embrace The Way
I challenge you: turn your heart back to God. Let us commit ourselves to Him daily. Ask God to open your heart to His will; take pride in being called a Christian, and, more importantly, a disciple of Jesus. Cultivate a softness that allows you to listen, so that you may become a brother and disciple alongside Jesus.
Are you ready to embrace and live The Way?
Chorbishop Don Sawyer — known warmly as Abouna Don — has spent a lifetime teaching the faith. His gift is making the rich tradition of the Church feel like a conversation across the kitchen table.
