What does it actually mean to be a disciple of Christ today—and how is it different from the time of the Apostles? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Ben Akers reflect on the heart of discipleship as it appears in Scripture: to be called by Jesus, transformed by Him, and sent on mission with Him.
They walk through key Gospel passages like the calling of Peter, Andrew, James, and John, showing how discipleship begins with hearing Christ’s call (“Follow me”), continues through surrender and transformation (“I will make you”), and culminates in mission (“I will make you fishers of men”).
Along the way, they explore how modern life—especially distraction, technology, and comfort—can pull us away from that pattern of discipleship. They offer practical ways to return to the basics: daily prayer, Scripture reading, the Sacraments, and intentional habits of attention that keep us rooted in Christ.
This conversation also highlights a central truth of the Christian life: discipleship is not primarily our achievement, but our response to God’s initiative in us.
Watch Sacred Art with Taylor Kemp and Dr. Ben Akers on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1140847
Watch The Rescue Project on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1492637
Watch Littlest Saints on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/801622
Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com
Up Next in Season 1
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The Our Father: Learning to Pray with...
We pray the Our Father so often that it can become easy to say the words without really hearing them. But this prayer, given to us by Jesus himself, is more than a familiar Catholic prayer—it is the perfect prayer, teaching us what to ask for and how to order our hearts toward God.
In this episo...
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How to Practice Leisure This Summer
What does real leisure look like for Catholics? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger discuss why leisure is not laziness, escapism, or endless consumption, but a deeply human and spiritual practice rooted in rest, wonder, worship, and delight.
Drawing on ...
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From Business Success to the Priestho...
Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM, joins Practicing Catholic to share his journey from a secular Catholic upbringing and agnosticism to a life of grace, prayer, and priesthood. Along the way, he reflects on business, ambition, authentic friendship, the witnesses who helped him return to the faith, and the surp...
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