There is likely a certain disconnect in the metaphor for young people regarding discipleship and dance.

Dancing is nerve-racking stuff. It takes a certain amount of confidence to be able to sing along and a vast quantity of courage to be able to step away from the obscurity and security of the wall. The actual fear of being out of step far outweighs the potential joy of attempting to be in step. Passion, love, and intimacy are unclearly defined for young people and will only become less confusing with familiarity and experience.

Discipleship, therefore, should not be presented as an easy road to be taken. The invitation to discipleship is “risky” as an invitation to dance. There is the risk of mis-steps, rejections, uncomfortable intimacy, and outright embarrassment. Discipleship must be recognized as a path that risks the pain and suffering of the Passion of the Christ while also the way towards the truth and the life resurrected at Easter.