May 21, 2023
“Then he approached and said to them, ‘All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the 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 familiar ‘Great Commission’ of Jesus is so familiar and is directed to us personally. As we claim discipleship someone, an instrument of the Lord, carried out His mandate. The summary blessing calling on the creative Father, saving Son and sanctifying Spirit brought us into new life in the Lord.
The directive to the disciples in Galilee is repeated, as we accept our responsibility to be that ‘someone’ making other disciples, celebrating the sacraments with them and spreading the message of salvation, our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. But something has gone wrong. Many of us have failed to enthusiastically do our part to go and make disciples and teach by word and example.
Why are we afraid? Do we forget the promise that He is with us always? Think about the way you can carry out the mandate. How often we are told ‘do not be afraid?’ May we be reminded once again.
by Rev. William J. Reilly