Authentic discipleship is not an easy road to map, nor is it a tangible thing that any Christian could teach to another. It is instead, a deep-rooted place in each of our hearts that calls us to be closer to our God. Authentic discipleship is being open to all the ways God calls us to act, listen, be present and love.
When I first arrived at St. Barbara's Parish in Santa Barbara, I saw this discipleship alive in the parishioners before I even passed the baptismal font. I heard it from the warm and welcoming greeters; I felt it as I found a spot in a pew and sat next to a smiling face; I sensed it in the strength of the voices singing in harmony with the choir. And I left St. Barbara's inspired by the acts of discipleship I had encountered. I believe parishioners and visitors alike could identify with my experience.
In the Letter of St. James, the question is asked, "If someone has faith, but does not have works, can that faith save him?" (James 2:14). Authentic discipleship is living out the works or deeds that God intends for us. Faith is being open to what God calls us to do and believing that it is unconditionally possible.
When Gianna, our daughter was born, it was difficult to imagine how such a perfect miracle of life was created. When we first met her and heard her gently cooing in our arms, we thought, "How were we chosen to be her parents? What a perfect match!" And God created every detail in the bond we have.
We named Gianna after an Italian saint, St. Gianna Beretta Molla. St. Gianna passionately followed God in the authentic discipleship to which she was uniquely called. She trusted in faith and she lived her life knowing that her faith and her deeds would lead her to fullness of heart that only created more energy to do the works of God.
That is authentic discipleship, that is living faith and that is how each of us are called to carry out our lives as children of God.
Anna Maria Stump is a Pastoral Council member at St. Barbara Parish, Santa Barbara.
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