St. George Preca’s book, Id-Dixxipulat (Discipleship), outlines the life programme set by Jesus Christ for those who wish to follow Him. The term disciple suggests a student-like willingness to learn and practice the teachings of the Master.
In the first part of the book, titled Examples of Topic, Preca provides a solid foundation of spiritual teachings to build one’s faith. This section is meant to be read reflectively, encouraging contemplation on various topics such as God’s perfection, the will of God, moral principles, and how to avoid sin.
The second part of the book discusses what St. George calls Programmes in the School of Christ Jesus. These are twenty-six subjects offering practical ways to persevere in discipleship. Topics include the spirit of rejection and persecution, love, penance, living the faith with perseverance, right intention, and silence. Essentially, Preca urges us to follow Jesus according to the guidelines presented in the Gospels.
St. George Preca encourages us to focus on Jesus, referring to Him as the new man, the divine man, and the spiritual man. By following the programmes in the school of Jesus with an open heart and firm will, assisted with God’s grace, we can put his teaching into action and achieve spiritual perfection.
Examples of Topic – What does God want?
- God wants that we know him, serve him and love him.
- God wants that we sincerely love one another.
- God wants that we do everything for his glory.
- God wants that wMe do others as we want to be done to us.
- God wants that we respect our parents.
- God wants that we deny ourselves.
- God wants that we give everyone what is his or hers.
- God wants that we adore him in spirit and in truth.
- God wants that we fulfil our vows.
- God wants that were turn everything that is not ours.
Programme in the School of Jesus Christ – Obedience
With regard to the virtue of obedience, Christ said, “It is not anyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven” (Mt 7,21). He also said, “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me, and to complete his work” (Jn 4,34).
Thus the programme in the school of Jesus Christ is obedience.
