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!

—————-

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.

—————-

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.”

—————-

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.

—————-

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.

—————-
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.

—————-

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.

—————-

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.

—————-

“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.

—————-
“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.

—————-

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.

—————-

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!

—————-

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.

—————-

A moment with the Lord.

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