Donna M. Cole

Bold discipleship

A few weeks ago, I was sitting in a local mall, waiting for a new pair of eyeglasses to be put together. I noticed a security guard walking by, accompanied by what looked to be the youngest security guard ever. About 10 or 11 years old, her uniform matched that of her counterpart, with all the patches, insignia, duty belt, radio, keys, and so on. She seemed to be very serious about the work while at the same time walking on air. I wondered briefly why she wasn't in school that day; I found out later it was "take your son or daughter to work day." I identified with her. I know that she will never forget that day. My father was a police officer, and I often dressed up in his uniform parts. If I'd had the opportunity to wear the same uniform he did and to walk his beat with him for a day, I would have been on cloud nine too. Since that time, I've worn many different uniforms of public service, following his example. But what requires the most of me is the garment of light, that which marks me as a disciple of Christ. It demands of me (of us) a life of contemplation brought to action. That white garment, that baptismal gift, challenges each of us to take what we share and adore and bring it into every place where the poor and desperate are to be found. We are to find those dark places and by our bold discipleship bring the light of Christ to drive away the shadows of despair.

Throughout ML this year, we have walked with St. Paul, and his is a powerful story of bold discipleship. His conversion was profound, his witness courageous, and his words a constant source of consolation and hope. In this issue we reflect some of that great witness. Ron Raab introduces us to one of the many services to the poor his community offers in his urban parish. This outreach offers not only food but service with dignity; it makes a bold statement in the face of what might otherwise be defeat. Paul Mast makes a compelling argument regarding the sacramental dignity of the human person. He reflects on the elaborate (and necessary) rites required to restore sanctity when a tabernacle and the Blessed Sacrament inside have been desecrated and asks why no such ritual is considered when the Body of Christ in a person has been desecrated by sexual abuse. This is the sort of bold statement that no one seems to want to hear, but if we believe what we teach about the real presence, then we must consider this position. Christine Diensberg boldly revisits the topic of Eucharist bread and the instruction that it should appear as real food. In a time when we seem to be regressing into very strange forms of sign and symbol, here is a recipe for both inclusivity and conformity without sacrificing an important image. Paul Turner continues to inform and guide us toward a better understanding of the scriptural underpinnings of the translation and instructions of the new Roman Missal. In a moment when emotions are clashing over this topic, his is a reasoned approach toward understanding the history and poetry of the texts we hold sacred. Like his namesake, he helps to show us ways that we can all move forward together.

As disciples we have to speak the truth even when it is unpopular. We have to do the things that no one else wants to do. We have to discern carefully what our Lord calls us to do, and we must always stand with one another. Just as that young girl in the mall looked to her father as an example, matching his every word, movement, and gesture, so must we look to Christ to live in imitation of all that he did. His example leads us to boldly proclaim the word, to feed and care for the poor, to heal the sick, and to gather all people into one in his name. Most of all, he calls us to serve as bold disciples in complete humility.

"Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me "teacher" and "master," and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do." (Jn 13:12-15)

ML
 

We're Still Green: ML remains a "Paper Hero" on Green America's Paper Project website (www.coopamerica.org/programs/woodwise/publishers/heroes/index.cfm) because it is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

What do YOU Think?
Send an e-mail to ML Editor or post an entry on the ML Current Issue Discussion Board. (All submissions become the property of RPI and may be edited for length.)