At the beginning of a new year, I always find myself in a reflective mood. I like to review the year that has gone, the highs and lows, and ask myself what I learnt about others, myself, and God. Just as the first disciples heard the call of Jesus during an ordinary day, we too often meet God not in the spectacular but in the simple, quiet moments when the year turns. It can be hard for us to predict what the next year may have in store for us, but we can be certain that we are being invited to grow in faith. Jesus is offering us the same invitation to “follow Him” as He did to Ss Peter and Andrew beside the Sea of Galilee. But what does it mean to be a disciple in 2026?
January is the perfect time for us to reflect on our own journey in faith and to listen to the gentle invitation of the Holy Spirit to go deeper this year. The Catechism provides us with a kind of spiritual health check for our discipleship: “the disciple of Christ must not only keep the faith and live on it, but also profess it, confidently bear witness to it and spread it.” (CCC 1814) This short line is both reassuring and challenging. It reminds us that faith is not passive. It is meant to shape our choices, our conversations, and the way we love.
Discipleship often begins with curiosity, a desire for something more. Many people in our communities are at this first threshold of faith. Some may have begun to trust the Church again; others may be tentatively exploring questions that have been stirring within them. We can welcome them in and gently introduce them not simply to ideas but to the One they are ultimately searching for – Jesus.
Discipleship should always facilitate encounter with Christ. Not a one-off meeting, but a daily one, through prayer, the sacraments, and the Scriptures. If we want to follow Jesus, we need to learn to recognise His voice. A simple way to begin is to sit with the Sunday Gospel for a few minutes each day and ask: “Lord, what are You saying to me?” Often the best place to start in prayer is by admitting that we don’t really know how to pray and inviting the Holy Spirit to be our teacher.
Discipleship also requires continuous formation. We need to grow not only in our knowledge and understanding of the faith but also in the quiet interior work that shapes our hearts. There is a wealth of information available, books, videos, podcasts, courses and it can feel overwhelming. The Church has given us a great gift in the Catechism and the Compendium, both of which are easily accessible online. Formation isn’t about becoming an expert; it’s about becoming more available to God and to others, learning our faith so that we may live it and share it.
But we must also remember that no one becomes a disciple alone. Growth happens within the community of the Church, through Mass, parish life, small groups, ministries, and friendships rooted in Christ. When we accompany one another, encourage one another, and pray for one another, discipleship becomes not just a personal journey but a shared mission.
At the start of this new year, God is inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. If you, as an individual or a parish, are looking to grow in discipleship this year, why not get in touch? Often all God needs is a small “yes” from us and we soon discover that Christ has already made the first move.