The Holy Gospel according to Matthew (28:16-20)
The Eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection: Today is the Memorial for St. Paul Mike and Companions, Martyrs. This Gospel is taken from this memorial. These scripture passages are at the very end of Matthew’s Gospel. The disciples go to the mountain where Jesus gives his disciples their mission. When they see the risen Lord, the scripture tells us that the disciples worshiped Him, but they doubted. This line should comfort us. Faith in the Lord does not mean that we never struggle in our faith. Even the disciples who stood before the Resurrection had questions. Yet Jesus does not reject them. Jesus does not wait for us to be perfect and to a have perfect faith. Instead, Jesus sends them with a mission to make disciples of all nations and to baptize them.
When we choose to be a disciple, Jesus reveals himself to us. We recognize that he is Lord of all. Then He gives us a mission. Christianity is about encountering Christ. Our mission flows from that encounter and relationship with Him.
Our mission is universal, it is for everybody, not just who are holy. All of us, by virtue of our baptism share in this mission. The best way to evangelize is through living holy lives. The last line of this passage Jesus tells us that He will be with us always, until the end of the age. This means that we are never alone. We are strengthened by the Eucharist, the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. He is always present in the Eucharist. We also have our brothers and sisters in Christ to help us in this mission.
This quote has been used by Mother Teresa and others. “God does not choose the qualified. He qualifies the chosen.” This means when we feel unworthy, uncertain, or afraid to carry out our mission, remember, the disciples also felt the same way. The disciples changed because they trusted the Lord, who was with them and who sent them. It is the same with us. We are also called to trust in the Lord and He will give us what we need to carry out our mission.
Action for the Day: Pray for the grace to say, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” Our mission begins today by faithfully living holy lives wherever we are, confident that Christ is with us. We do not have to go to faraway places. Begin with our families, neighbors and our environments.
Audio Reflection:
Thank you, Deacon, Mike. I look forward to your Friday reflections. Even though I don’t always comment, I do always listen. 😉Thank you for all that you and Martha do for all of us. God bless you both. 💕