What does it really mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

In this deeply reflective episode of Catholic in America, Jason Adkins speaks with Fr. Simeon (Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis), a Trappist monk of St. Joseph’s Abbey and acclaimed spiritual writer, about the path of Christian discipleship in a distracted and restless age. 

Drawing from his book The Way of the Disciple, Father Simeon reflects on the Gospel encounters that reveal how Christ calls ordinary people into transformation, communion, and mission. From the Samaritan woman at the well to Peter’s fearful response to Christ, this conversation explores what happens when a person truly encounters Jesus.

Topics include:

• What it means to be a disciple
• Why Christianity is called “The Way”
• Transformation vs. mere imitation of Christ
• Communion, contemplation, and mission
• Lectio Divina and praying with Scripture
• The connection between the Word of God and the Eucharist
• Why silence and asceticism matter
• Hyper-communication and the spiritual crisis of modern life
• What monasticism can teach the modern world
• The importance of solitude and prayer in encountering God

Father Simeon also shares powerful reflections on becoming a monk later in life, learning silence after years as a university professor, and why many people today are starving for interior stillness in an age of constant distraction. 

This episode is a rich meditation on prayer, discipleship, Scripture, and the call to become more fully alive in Christ.

Links: 

Author Page at Ignatius Press
Ignatius Press Author Page – Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis

St. Joseph’s Abbey
St. Joseph’s Abbey

Jason Adkins, host of Catholic in America, engages our own time, culture, and political milieu with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to explore how to live more fully Catholic. With so much to explore, we have guests from a variety of perspectives and faith backgrounds, and conversations do not necessarily constitute endorsements. 

Catholic in America is an OSVNews.com podcast partnership. Support Catholic in America by becoming a patron of the show here.