Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us plainly who a disciple is: "You are the salt of the earth ... You are the light of the world." He doesn't say you should become salt and light - He says you are. Discipleship is not a future project; it is a present identity.

Salt only matters when it disappears into the food. Light only helps when it shines for others. A disciple, then, is not called to draw attention to himself, but to give flavor to the world and clarity in the darkness - often quietly, humbly, and faithfully.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today, in the Gospel, Jesus proclaims the Beatitudes - the heart of His teaching and the portrait of a true disciple. He does not describe a life of power or comfort, but a life transformed by humility, mercy, and hunger for righteousness. The disciple of Jesus is not shaped by the values of the world, but by the heart of Christ.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today's Gospel, Jesus begins His public ministry with a simple yet demanding invitation: "Come after me." He does not begin in palaces or temples, but along the shores of Galilee, among ordinary fishermen. This is important. Discipleship begins not by escaping our daily lives, but by allowing Christ to enter them.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today's Gospel shows us the beginning of discipleship. John the Baptist points to Jesus and says, "Behold, the Lamb of God." He does not draw attention to himself; he directs others to Christ. True discipleship always begins there: recognizing Jesus and helping others encounter Him.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today, at the Jordan River, Jesus steps into the water - not because He needs repentance, but because He chooses solidarity with us. The sinless One stands among sinners, revealing a God who draws near, who enters our history and our wounds.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord, when the Magi journeyed from distant lands to worship the newborn King. Their story is a powerful lesson in discipleship: following Christ often requires courage, perseverance, and the willing- ness to step beyond what is familiar.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today we celebrate the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, a model of discipleship lived in the ordinary rhythms of family life. Their faith was not always easy, yet it was steadfast, humble, and full of love.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

As we reach the final days of Advent, the Church places before us the quiet, strong figure of Saint Joseph. In today's Gospel, he is described as 'a righteous man' - a man whose discipleship prepares the way for Christ's coming not with words, but with trust, obedience, and courageous love.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today is Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of joy. The rose candle reminds us that the Lord is near, and that true discipleship is marked by a joy the world cannot give.

In today's Gospel, John the Baptist, now imprisoned, sends his disciples to Jesus asking, "Are you the one who is to come?". Jesus responds not with theories but with signs: "The blind see, the lame walk, the poor hear the Good News." The works of mercy reveal the presence of the Messiah.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

On this Second Sunday of Advent, the figure of John the Baptist steps onto the scene as the great model of Advent discipleship. His voice rings out in today's Gospel: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'