Fools for Christ

Do you know why we do not see many pictures of St. Joseph, while there are many pictures of Jesus and Mary together? That’s because he is the one taking their pictures!

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In today’s Gospel (John 12:20-33), Jesus tells us that a grain of wheat must first fall to the ground and die so that it will produce much fruit. Like St. Joseph, we must learn to die to ourselves if we want to become His faithful servants and His true disciples.

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Discipleship is the journey from loving one’s life to losing one’s life. This is foolish in the eyes of the world which sees it as a transition from being a lover, to becoming a loser! Only with the eyes of faith can we understand and accept the way of a “fool for Christ.”

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Who is a disciple? A disciple is one who follows Christ, not the world. He is the one who chooses to focus on the Cross, and leaves behind the world and its pleasures.

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A disciple is one who obeys Christ, and not his/her own worldly agenda and pursuits, and one who sets his/her own will aside and follows God’s will, in season, and out of season.

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A disciple is one who opposes sin and fights all forms of injustice and oppression. He/She stands for the truth, braving deprivations, opposition, and even persecution.

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A disciple is one who listens constantly to Christ in prayer, and not to the noise and chatter of the world. A disciple is one who has a Master, a servant who is humble, and who speaks what is whispered to him by his Master.

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One who Follows, Obeys, Opposes sin, and Listens to Christ is a F-O-O-L. Yes, we are “fools for Christ,” so they say. But, aren’t we all fools in this world? And so, isn’t it that there are fools for power, fools for lust, fools for fame, fools for worldly idols? We are all fools for something or someone in this world. I have made a choice to be a fool for Christ.

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“Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be” (John 12:26). Discipleship is the fruit of a personal relationship and experience with the Master who calls unworthy people like me to serve Him, and His people. It’s all about a generous and loving God calling us, not so much because of us as despite us. Yes, God chooses not so much the worthy instrument, as the willing instrument. It is humility that leads to true discipleship and mission.

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“I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’” Even Jesus had his doubts and weak moments in following God’s will, and more so, we! But we go on anyway and follow Him on the road of sacrifice, hiddenness, and humility.

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By the way, St. Joseph is not only our model in discipleship but also the patron of departing souls. It is he who will fetch us at the moment of death, and bring us straight to God’s heart. St. Joseph, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

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It’s summer. The weather is getting hot, the land is becoming dry, and the grass is getting brown. But the trees stay on, braving the heat and the sun, with patience and perseverance, teaching us to persevere, be still, and hope, that the rain will come again soon. Amen! We are disciples who continue to believe, trust, and surrender. BTS!

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Think about this: We are disciples, with a heart. May the Lord bless and prosper the works of our hands, but more so, may He increase the love in our hearts for Him and His people.

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A moment with the Lord.

Lord, help us to follow and obey You, oppose sin, and continue to listen to You.

Amen.

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