Thorns and Thistles
Pathways to Discipleship - Cycle C
by
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There are ‘signs of the times’ that we come to grips with an attitude of openness, a global worldview, and sense of purpose. Some of them are signs of transgression; others are signs of grace. But in our quest for a life rooted in the gospel, a metaphor for God’s call and our response remains the evolving deal of our discipleship.
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About the Book
With the onslaught of reflections and other biblical materials available online, I have thought it best to welcome the challenge of putting into writing my homilies for each Sunday celebration. Hence, as a form of sharing, these written homilies are meant to help us appreciate our sense of discipleship. Like the seemingly endless footsteps of Christ in our lives, the gift of the Spirit leads us to be united in one faith that captures the sense of transformation as implied in gospel reflections. It is like a personal diary that attempts to lift the weight of Christ’s message within the richness of human experiences.
As discipleship demands new perspectives and priorities, these homilies articulate relationships in a variety of settings, images, and lifestyles of being in the world with others. Though they help us understand the presence of God in our lives, living with our own mystery and spirituality becomes like a “dependable compass” that is always there to guide us.
It is our road map as we walk by faith and not by sight alone. Jesus’ life, teaching, and ministry in a particular place, time, and culture have great significance to our journey, as far as our mission is concerned. He identifies himself with the people across cultures and he enters into solidarity with those in need.
About the Author
Mark A. Escobar, CS, born and raised in the Philippines, is a member of the Missionaries of Saint Charles, also known as Scalabrinians. He belongs to the Eastern Province of St. Charles, which comprises mission territories in the US, Canada, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Venezuela, and Colombia. He is currently enrolled at the School of Theology and Ministry in Boston College, Massachusetts. His writings reflect a hodgepodge of experiences with a combination of learning and interest in other disciplines. As a missioner, he holds with St. Augustine that “we must judge our discourses by their effect on our hearers.” Charity is his watchword.