The Way of the Disciple / Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis

This book explores in depth six Gospel scenes so as to discover in these the essential elements of Christian discipleship. It describes the basic requirements for receiving the Word of God effectively in our hearts: namely, that we “become wet clay in God’s hands”, so that God can impress upon us any form he chooses. It also contemplates the vital position of the Mother of the Lord in the life of his disciples.

The author shows that the call to discipleship is above all an invitation to intimate companionship with Jesus, as we read in Mark: “Jesus called to him those whom he desired… in order that they might be with him” (3:14-15). What we normally call the “active apostolate” can never be an end in itself, but only the fruits of a life of prayer and adoration. These are what must be at the heart of a disciple’s life, which can never be swept up by mere activism.

“A treasure for Christians who want to be Jesus’ disciples from the core of their heart. I warmly recommend this book as a guide to true discipleship and engaged Gospel-reading.”
—Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, Editor, Catechism of the Catholic Church

Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis, a professor of Theology at the University of San Francisco, is the author of Fire of Mercy: Heart of the Word.