In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, “Whoever serves me must follow me” (John 12:26). This powerful statement encapsulates what it means to be a Christian. As servants of Christ, we must walk in His footsteps, imitate His example, and live our lives according to His teachings. The book of Genesis says that God created man “in his own image” (Genesis 1;27). Every other creature was created “according to its kind” — but not human beings. We were made after the image of God. Thus, Jesus as God’s Son calls us to walk in His likeness.  

Saint Paul reminds us that we must “put on the new self, renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:10). This renewal means casting off our old, sinful habits and embracing the beatitudes of Jesus, the prerequisites for following Him: humility, meekness, compassion, justice, purity of heart, peacefulness, and endurance in the face of persecution. This is what it means to conform ourselves to His likeness. 

This seemingly straightforward path of discipleship, however, is mired in confusion for many believers. Despite the clarity of Jesus’ call, many struggle with what it means to follow Him. The challenge lies, not in merely acknowledging Christ’s teachings but in the genuine application of these teachings to daily life. St Francis of Assisi as some claim was, apart from Mary, the closest approximation to the likeness of Christ. In the simplest of words, he told his followers: “preach the gospel at all times, using words if necessary,” letting “your deeds” be “the sermon.” This simple approach points to the primacy of example over doctrine. It says: don’t tell me, show me.

The inadequacy of merely professing faith without living it was strongly criticized by Christ, particularly in His interactions with the Pharisees. The Pharisees focused more on lip-service to doctrinal matters than helping others in their need. The story of the woman caught in adultery exemplifies Jesus’ radical departure from the mindset of judging others, excluding them and putting them down. His example of compassion and love for this woman flung open the doors of redemption. 

This historical dilemma still continues in the ongoing confusion over allegiance to doctrine versus the imitation of Christ. Some Christians have become fixated on doctrinal minutiae at the expense of following Christ’s example, fueling division and even hatred within the faith community. This discord underscores a deeper issue: the resistance to embody change and renewal as preached in the Gospel. According to Saint Paul, we are called to a rebirth into newness of life through Christ. This capacity for renewal is central to overcoming divisions within the Christian community because it focusses on our shared commitment to Christ and His teachings.  

The contemporary Catholic Church mirrors this same tension between traditional doctrines and the need to follow Christ’s example. Pope Francis’ vision of Church highlights the necessity of following the living example of Christ. This approach, while respecting doctrine, opens a path forward toward unity and understanding among people, centering faith on the following of Christ, forging unbreakable bonds of friendship and understanding. 

In embracing the call to walk in the likeness of Christ, we must endeavor always to follow His example. This journey requires a heart open to change, guided by the Holy Spirit and the timeless example of Jesus Himself. 

—Fr. Hugh Duffy, Ph.D.