OCIA Session 19 Supplement - Conversion & Discipleship - Living faith as a lifelong journey

Conversion & Discipleship - Living faith as a lifelong journey

Conversion is not a one-time event. It is not just the moment you first say “yes” to God or the day you enter the Church. Conversion is a lifelong journey, a daily turning of the heart toward Christ. Discipleship means walking with Him step by step, sometimes stumbling, sometimes running, but always moving forward in faith. Jesus does not simply invite us to admire Him - He calls us to follow Him. In Matthew 4:19 He told the fishermen by the Sea of Galilee, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” That invitation is for each of us, every single day.

True conversion means change. The Greek word for conversion in the New Testament is metanoia, which literally means “to change one’s mind” or “to turn around.” It is like realizing you are walking down the wrong road and choosing to head in the right direction. But it is more than just changing your mind - it is changing your heart, your actions, and your entire life to follow Christ. St. Paul is one of the greatest examples. Once a persecutor of Christians, he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and became the greatest missionary in history. His story reminds us that no one is too far gone for God’s mercy, and no life is too broken for Christ to transform.

Discipleship, however, is not always easy. Jesus Himself warned in Luke 9:23, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Notice the word “daily.” Following Jesus is not just about Sunday Mass or special occasions. It is about daily choices - choosing patience over anger, truth over lies, humility over pride, and love over selfishness. Conversion is tested not in grand moments but in ordinary decisions, in how we treat our family, how we act at work, and how we love our neighbors.

But discipleship is not something we do alone. Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs and gathered them into a community. The Church is where disciples walk together, encourage one another, and share the journey. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” The parish is not just a building - it is a training ground for discipleship. Here we are nourished by the sacraments, strengthened by God’s Word, and supported by a community of faith.

Here’s a humor break: conversion sometimes feels like trying to diet. At first, you make big promises - “No more sweets, no more fast food, all healthy from now on.” But then temptation shows up in the form of donuts at the office. In the same way, many of us start out strong in faith and then stumble. The good news is that God does not give up on us when we fail. Conversion is not about never falling - it is about always getting back up with God’s help.

Daily discipleship also means prayer. Without prayer, faith dries up. With prayer, it grows strong. Reading Scripture, receiving the sacraments, serving others, and living with integrity all flow from prayer. Discipleship is about keeping your eyes on Christ in every situation. Think of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14. As long as he looked at Jesus, he walked. But when he looked at the storm, he began to sink. Discipleship means keeping your gaze fixed on Jesus, even when life is stormy.

Take a moment to reflect: what areas of your life still need conversion? Is there a habit, a relationship, or an attitude that you know God is calling you to change? Do you see your faith as something for Sundays only, or as a daily walk with Christ? Write down one area where you want to grow as a disciple and ask the Holy Spirit for strength to take the next step.

Here’s your practical challenge: each morning this week, pray a simple disciple’s prayer: “Lord Jesus, I choose to follow You today. Show me where You are leading and give me the courage to walk with You.” Throughout the day, pause and ask, “Am I following Jesus in this moment?” At the end of the week, reflect on how those small decisions have shaped your heart.

In closing, remember this: conversion is not a box to check, but a journey to walk. Discipleship is not about perfection, but perseverance. Jesus does not call us because we are already perfect - He calls us because He loves us and wants to make us new. Next time, we will move into the first of the scrutinies, powerful moments of healing and mercy where God frees us from sin and draws us closer to His grace. Until then, keep walking with Christ, one step at a time, and know that every step taken in faith brings you closer to the joy of eternal life.