In the call of Christ to follow Him, there lies a profound simplicity and depth. It is not merely an invitation to admire His example but to embody it in our daily lives. The early Christians, aptly named “The People of the Way,” understood this deeply. They followed a path illuminated by Christ’s example of love, not through complex theological constructs but through simple, powerful actions: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, visiting the sick and those in prison, and burying the dead. These acts of love, by which we help our neighbors with their everyday material and physical needs, gain us entry into Jesus’s kingdom on the last day ( Matthew 25: 34-40 ). Thus, the call to follow Him extends our circle of care beyond family and friends to encompass all humanity, as exemplified in the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
At the heart of Christ’s kingdom within us are the Beatitudes, the interior conditions for a life of loving service. What happens to us inwardly affects what we do outwardly. These interior attitudes backtrack to the condition of the human heart and showcase the way we should live: with humility, meekness, mercy, justice, purity of heart, compassion, peacefulness, and persistence in face of opposition. These blessings ensure that whatever we do, is done with the right spirit. Do we not all cringe when someone does the right thing, but in the wrong way? Not with a glad heart but reluctantly, perhaps? But when someone comes to our aid in a spirit of humility and respect, what a relief and what a difference that makes.
Christ’s Kingdom, as He taught, is an inward realm of spiritual richness, manifesting outwardly in societal actions. This Kingdom is not about accruing wealth or status but about serving and uplifting others. In describing His Kingdom, Christ paints a picture where acts of kindness and service, conducted in the spirit of the beatitudes, are the true measures of allegiance to Him.
This fundamental aspect of Christianity, however, often gets overshadowed by an overemphasis on doctrine separated from Christian practice. Cardinal Newman insightfully differentiated between mere doctrinal assent and a “real assent,” which involves living by Christ’s example. It’s about active faith issuing forth in acts of love, not passive agreement.
Christ posed a vital question about those who truly follow Him in Matthew 7: 21-23. Are those his followers who offer lip service to His teachings or are those his followers who actively live by His example? The answer is unequivocal. The essence of being a Christian is not found in the mere appreciation or elucidation of doctrines but in the practical application of Christ’s teachings. This practical application is encapsulated in the Golden Rule illustrated in Matthew 25:40, which reminds us that our actions towards the least in society are actions towards Christ Himself. (“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”)
Today, the Christian journey is at a crossroads. Many are entangled in doctrinal disputes, losing sight of the essence of Christ’s message — to live a life of love and service. The Church risks becoming mired in abstract, intellectual debates rather than engaging in transformative action. This predicament echoes the warning in James 1:23-24, where faith without action is likened to a person who forgets his own reflection. (“Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” )
Pope Francis has been vocal about this divide. He emphasizes that ideology should never eclipse a real, practicing faith. His approach to faith is not static but evolves with a deep understanding of the times. His critique of backward-looking practices, like insistence on the use of the Latin Mass, underscores this point. He is a pastoral Pope who exemplifies Christ-like service, directing resources to the poor and personally ministering to the needy.
The true business of a Christian is to follow in the footsteps of Christ. It is a calling to be conformed to Christ who stands with and serves the poor, learning from them and embracing poverty in spirit. It is a call to live out Christ’s teachings in tangible, loving ways by following His example.
—Fr. Hugh Duffy
5 Comments
Bartholomew Okere
Fr. Duffy, your thorough exegesis on the business of Christians is to follow & surrender all to Christ, like the call of the first four disciples of Jesus in today’s Gospel of Mk. Calling Pope Francis a pastoral Pope reminds me what some called Pope Benedict XV1, a dogmatic Pope. Thanks for highlighting the need for Christians to follow Mt 25:34-40. A good catechesis on Christian values. Shalom!
Patricia
Fr. Duffy, I appreciate you recognizing Pope Francis’s pastoral ways as being Christ-like. There seems to be so many people misunderstanding and spreading negativity about him . This saddens me greatly. “We Are One,” song is a great testament of encouragement for living our daily lives by way of the Beatitudes.
Thank you.
Hugh Duffy
Yes, Patricia. The only way to be a Christian is by your love, not by vitriolic condemnation. Regrettably, many fail to see the contradiction when, in the name of Christ, they behave in ways contrary to Christ. It doesn’t make sense.
Mary Ford
Thanks Fr. Duffy for your always inspiring words.
Our Holy Father speaks and acts with Love, invites all beings into Christ’s Love, without judgment.
I wish we would hear more of that Love from the Pulpit on Sundays, especially this year, with an
election between two men, who are so different from each other. I hope people ask which one
has LOVE in his life, in his heart, in his speech and
Hugh Duffy
The Christian message of love tends to get drowned out by the social voices of hate and partisan politics. That is the reality, but it must not deter us from following Christ’s example to love even our enemies.