Pastor's Letter

Being an Apprentice

In the last few weeks, our scripture readings have had to do with the demands and challenges of following Jesus Christ.  And this Sunday is no different.  The readings today talk about the need for discipline.  Discipline involves self-control and implies a rigorous training.  It’s about holding true to a code of conduct and behavior that helps to define us. 
 
“Discipline” comes from the Latin word discipulus, which is also where we get our word “pupil.” And so, it’s not a far stretch to see that the word “disciple” also comes from this root word.  Being a disciple is part of our identity as Catholics who follow Jesus Christ.
 
A disciple of Jesus Christ is a learner; someone open to instruction and applying it in life.  It can also have the nuance of being an apprentice.  Apprentices learn through practical experience, like those who are learning a skill or a trade.  In today’s world, we would also call it an internship, like a future doctor learning how to practice medicine.
 
In the case of Jesus, he called disciples to live and learn about God by being with him, living with him, watching him, and seeing how he went about doing God’s work in the world. With that experience, Jesus would send them (like he sends us) into the world to bring God into the lives of others.  
 

One More Week for the 2020 Challenge! As you’ve been hearing, up until August 31, a generous parishioner has offered to match any new pledge, gift, or increased pledge to our 2020 Vision Capital Campaign dollar for dollar up to $15,000. We’re calling it our “2020 Challenge.”    We’re extremely grateful for those who already made a gift or pledge throughout the last year and within the last few weeks.  Working together, your generosity has helped us get to where we are.  Thank you also to all who are still considering it.  We are very blessed.  2020 is almost here.   Thank You, St. Hubert!!

In the gospel of John, when Andrew and John approach Jesus wanting to follow him, Jesus asks them, “what are you looking for?”  Interestingly, they answer him with a question: “Rabbi [i.e., teacher] where are you staying?”  In order to know Jesus and learn from him, they needed to stay with him.  
 
As Catholics, we live staying with Christ, which is what draws us to Mass every week.  In the Mass, we learn about being a disciple.  But we not only simply learn from the master teacher, we also take him into our lives, so His very being is incorporated into who we are. In other words, we have communion with the One we stay with.
 
And it forms us into the people we are. Over time, the discipline of practicing our faith becomes evident in the way we live—our conduct, the way we treat others, the way we see the human person, and the realization that all people—no matter who they are—hold God in common, the One who gives us life and meaning.
 
In the gospel, Jesus says a startling thing: just because someone says they know Jesus, doesn’t mean Jesus knows them.  Jesus knows his true disciples—those who have the discipline to stay with him. To stay with him is to know him and be like him.  I’m grateful to be walking this journey with all of you that takes us into the heart of Christ. 
 
                 –Fr. Mike