Everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher

Last Friday, Sandee and I attended a wonderful function put on by the Seminarians. They sang, danced, told stories of their homelands and served snacks and beverages. It was a truly enjoyable occasion.

As I sat there, taking in the entertainment, this week’s Gospel crossed my mind. Luke 6: 39-45 ‘A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.’ The rector of the Seminary had told us, during a chat, that Seminarians are not just taught, they are formed. His comments caused me to reflect on my own long formation in becoming a deacon.

I believe Jesus’ words ‘fully trained’ refer to that formation. It is not just about acquiring knowledge but about being shaped—spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually—into a true disciple. As I watched these young men share their talents and stories, I saw glimpses of the priests they are becoming, molded by years of prayer, study, and community life.

Their joy and dedication reminded me of my own journey, the mentors who guided me, and the moments that deepened my call to serve. Formation is not merely education; it is transformation, a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ.

All disciples are called to be formed. And each of us, through our baptism, are disciples. It is not sufficient simply to privately pray or to attend Mass; we must also expose ourselves to formation. This formation happens through Scripture study, through being an active member of a faith community, and through the daily reflection on the experiences that challenge and shape our faith.

I hope that this newsletter and my pastoral website can be elements of formation—places where we can grow together in faith, reflect on the Gospel, and deepen our understanding of what it means to be disciples of Christ. My hope is that these resources will inspire, challenge, and support us in our journey of formation, just as I continue to be formed through my ministry and experiences.

As we approach Lent, I am offering an online Zoom retreat for those subscribers who may find it difficult to attend a physical church retreat. It is every Thursday for 4 weeks at 8pm - 9pm (EST -4GMT) starting Thursday 6th March. Please find the Link to the retreat below

Join Zoom Retreat
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89233869805?pwd=9zmeDqWEuNQJxv1RiEUXIzkyqiEGEK.1

Zoom Meeting ID: 892 3386 9805
Passcode: 250660

If these reflections speak to you, I invite you to support this ministry by sharing the newsletter with others, engaging with the content, and if possible become a patron by upgrading to a paid subscriber.