LIFE

The last section of the Sermon on the Plain of Jesus focuses on true discipleship, integrity of life and authentic Christian life. It underlines the importance of enlightened leadership and discipleship, correcting others without hypocrisy and translating faith into action. A true disciple is called to engage in human interactions using the lens of God’s compassion and graciousness. Jesus said, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39) Jesus underlines the need to be careful when choosing whom to follow. We cannot give what we don’t have. The goal of discipleship is to be fully trained so that the disciple will have the same mind and heart of Jesus. To do this, he must learn to make the vision,  choices and values of Jesus his own. We must be Godly people before we will truly act as Godly people. Jesus said, “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit.” (Luke 6:43-44) He is the true vine, the source of life and fruitfulness. We are the branches and we must be attached to the vine so that we will bear fruits that will last. St. Paul said that the fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, kindness,  gentleness, patience, fidelity, self control. (Galatians 5:22) These are fruits t that will lead us to eternal life. Instead, the branches that are not connected to the vine will wither, die and will be thrown into the fire. Jesus also said, “For from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) Our heart belongs to God alone and it must be ordered and planted in the right place. St. Augustine said that our hearts are restless until they find rest in you. Uncleanliness comes from the heart for out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony and blasphemies. It is a call to an integrity of life where there is harmony between what is within and without. We need the grace of the Holy Spirit so that our hearts are made pure. It is the Holy Spirit who will grant us a teachable heart, an undivided heart that is willing to learn. For a believing  and receptive heart is a space where God makes things new. We are called to rely on God alone for it is the only way to be strong, fully alive and totally free.