In the ancient disciple-rabbi relationship, the disciple would follow the rabbi so closely that he would be covered in the dust kicked up from his rabbi’s feet. Thousands of years later, though we walk on roads of pavement and not dust, we are still called to be disciples—to follow our Rabbi, Jesus Christ, so closely that we are covered with his life, changed, and made new.
But this transformation in Christ doesn’t happen overnight. In this series, Edward Sri reminds us of two basic truths: First, (A) The truth of our human condition: we are full of many weaknesses, wounds, and sins. And second, (B) The truth of our high calling—we are called to be perfected in God’s love and transformed in Christ. Living as a disciple is all about the process of getting from A to B.
We are reminded that the saints were not always perfect, but works in progress—just think of Matthew the tax collector, Paul the persecutor of Christians, and Peter the denier of Christ. Edward Sri reminds us that the earliest disciples are models not of perfection but of a process. And it’s that process that Jesus wants to reproduce in our lives today.
Do you sense that movement in you—that desire to go deeper in your relationship with Christ? Do you have a longing to follow Jesus more closely, to be transformed by him? Do you notice a stirring inside, a longing to love God with all your heart, but feel unsure what steps to take next?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, know that God is the one who has put those yearnings in your soul. He has already given you the heart of a disciple. This series simply aims to help you follow those initial promptings of the Holy Spirit so that you may more intentionally encounter Jesus anew each day and be more disposed to the power of his grace molding you, transforming you ever more into his likeness.
- As an individual. Make a commitment to do the 6 modules. Gets a Study Guide HERE
Watch the videos Here and journey through the program at your own pace. we suggest 1 session a week. Enjoy!
- Small Groups can alternatively meet IN-HOMES! It is easy to host this study, All the videos are easily accessed through FORMED.org, and you can get the leader's guide and participant study guides HERE with all discussion materials needed. This way you can choose the best time and day that works for the members of your group and feel comfortable inviting people that may not feel inclined to gather at the church.
- if you don't want to meet in person, you can also form a virtual group and meet on ZOOM or another similar video meeting platform for all those that would rather participate from home. You will still have the opportunity to engage in every aspect of the program. Small groups will view the videos, pray, and talk over the application questions. If you need help setting this up reach out to me at parishcoordinator@stmarymtangel.org
Join us at one these times:
Tuesday Mornings after 7:00 am Mass in Parish Center
Thursday Evenings 7 PM in the Parish Center Lower Lever
Tuesday Evenings 6:30 pm in the Parish Office
Use this link to Let Us know you are doing this program
1st week of Lent - Episode 1: In the Dust of the Rabbi
2nd Week of Lent - Episode 2: Not Perfect, but Chosen
3rd Week of Lent - Episode 3: The Encounter
4th Week of Lent - Episode 4: Transformed by Fire 1
5th Week of Lent - Episode 5: Transformed by Fire 2
6th Week of Lent - Episode 6: Questions and Answers
"Into His Likeness" is a great study for members of the parish who have a good grounding in the faith and wish to go Deeper. If you are new to the faith or just exploring the faith, try the "Search" program series.