What does it mean to be covered in the dust of your rabbi? In this episode, Jeff explains this historic phrase and reveals how as activated disciples, we must conform our lives to Christ. We are called to participate in the life of Christ.
Snippet from the Show
An activated disciple must conform their life to the life of Christ.
Shownotes
Announcements
“Pop-Up” Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Jeff & Emily Cavins, June 1-12, 2022
Go to: https://www.jeffcavins.com/pop-up-pilgrimage-to-the-holy-land-june-1-12-2022/
or call: Select International at 800-842-4842
Pilgrimage in the Steps of St. Paul to Greece and Turkey – October 11-23, 2022
Go to: https://www.jeffcavins.com/pilgrimage-in-the-steps-of-st-paul-to-greece-and-turkey/
The Activated Disciple 40-Day Challenge
Are you looking for real change this Lent? Are you looking for a structured program to guide you through Lent? Jeff Cavins invites you on a powerful journey to become an activated disciple this Lent. Starting February 25th, Jeff will be guiding you in The Activated Disciple 40-day Challenge through weekly podcast episodes throughout Lent.
As Catholics, we often find ourselves going through the motions. We believe our faith but struggle to put it into practice; we are not the activated disciples we are called to be. An activated disciple is someone who strives every moment of every day to imitate Jesus, someone who desires such a close relationship with God that every area of his or her life is transformed. The Activated Disciple 40-Day Challenge will help you become more like Christ as you cultivate the eight characteristics that are the most important in the life of a disciple:
- Love
- Forgiveness
- Humility
- Patience
- Selflessness
- Kindness
- Attentiveness
- Contrition
As you reorient your life toward Jesus, you will notice the profound transformation a close relationship with him brings. The Activated Disciple 40-Day Challenge will help you take your faith to the next level. In addition to the study, Jeff will guide listeners through The Activated Disciple journey in a series of podcast episodes from February 25th to April 29th. In these episodes Jeff will teach you:
- Biblical foundations of Discipleship
- Daily Disciplines of a Disciple
- How to Developing your Saint Possy
- How to Win Souls
To prepare for this life-changing Lenten journey, purchase your study set of The Activated Disciple.
Use the code ADLENT to get 15% off your purchase
Pirkei Avot
This phrase can basically be translated to “May your house be a meeting house for Sages, become dirty in the dust of their feet and drink their words thirstily.” It then morphed into “Be covered in the dust of your rabbi.” This means that you should follow your rabbi so closely that you are covered in the dust he kicks up. Jesus is the Rabbi and we are called to follow him. To follow him, we must change our lives. Our daily lives must reveal that we are disciples of Christ.
Living a Sacramental Life
The word “sacrament” comes from the Latin word sacramentum, which is the translation of the Greek word Mysterion. A mystery is something that is known or “seen” or revealed but which, in some sense, “conceals” something else. In the case of the sacraments, the mystery is the life of the Trinity. Sacramentum is the Latin term used in antiquity to designate an oath. An oath was sworn in the making of a covenant resulting in a family bond between two parties. When we participate in the sacraments, we are participating in the life of Christ. If we are to be disciples, we must live a sacramental life. We need to live in the heart of the Church.
The Liturgical Year
It is important to remember that we have a community experience and we are immersed in a way of life. In Hebrews, it is written, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb 10:24-25). The Liturgical Year lays out Christ’s life on a calendar. Following this allows us to conform our lives to Christ. Below are the times of the Liturgical Year:
- Advent
- Christmas
- Ordinary Time
- Lent
- Easter
- Ordinary Time
- Christ the King
Practicing His Presence
The rabbis would practice the discipline of living with Kavanah, “intention” or “sincere feeling, direction of heart.” This idea of Kavanah is what we call being an Activated Disciple. We are called to be aware of Christ throughout each day of our lives.
Sanctify Your Day: Design Your Day with Jesus
“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:26) Each day we can talk outloud to God. We can praise him and share our lives with him. Allow him to enter into your day.
Meditation Questions
1. In this episode I spoke about Kim Peek, who had remarkable intellectual abilities. However, Kim needed much help. How are you like Kim and in what areas do you need the Lord’s help?
2. During this retreat there was great emphasis put on the “shape of your day.” How are you doing as far as experiencing a new shape to your day? What two things can you focus on that will ensure that your life has the shape of a disciple’s life?
3. Kavanah speaks of intention or focus. Can you think of ways that will help you to remember that the Lord is with you twenty-four-seven? Reminders that you drive by or alarms on your smart phone can be of some help.
Resources
- Email us at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com
- Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get added to Jeff’s shownotes email list
- Visit Jeff’s website at www.jeffcavins.com
- The Great Adventure Bible
- Listen to The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- Pilgrimages with Jeff
- Jeff’s Daily Gospel Reflections with Jonathan Roumie: www.hallow.com/jeffcavins
Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings.
Meet Your Host: Jeff Cavins
Jeff Cavins is passionate about helping people understand Scripture and become disciples of Jesus Christ. Though he was born Catholic, Jeff went to Bible school and served as a protestant minister for twelve years before reverting to the Catholic Faith. Jeff then received his MA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Since then, he has become a leading Catholic evangelist and author.
Jeff created The Bible Timeline learning system, which revolutionized Catholic Bible Study for millions of Catholics. Since its introduction, Jeff has developed The Great Adventure series of Bible studies to help people better understand Sacred Scripture and its meaning for their lives.
