Jesus’ School of Life: Incentives to Discipleship

In response to the great challenges faced by modern Catholics, Christoph Cardinal Schonborn presents an in-depth formation for intentional disciples of Jesus. His presentation is aimed at demonstrating that the call of Jesus is not an abstract idea but a real way of life, a school of life. Jesus forms his followers in the art of living well, which leads them to true fulfillment both now and in the life to come. Drawing mainly on Scripture, and the Gospels in particular, the Cardinal shows how the way of conversion begins in a person’s life and continues as his path until death. Every step along the way, the disciple is taught to believe, to trust, and to pray by the interior teacher the Holy Spirit. The Cardinal traces the path of discipleship through nine key stages: answering the call of Jesus, becoming his disciple, learning to pray, living the Beatitudes, receiving and giving forgiveness, embracing the cross, becoming his witnesses, receiving the Holy Spirit, and passing through death into life. We can walk safely and joyfully along this path if we attend Jesus’ school of life and follow in the footsteps of the Master.