Seventh Sunday of Easter – Ascension
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Mt 28: 16-20
May 21, 2023 | Sunday
As for the eleven disciples, they went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Jesus, they bowed before him, although some doubted.” All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”
Today’s Reflection:
The opening scene of today’s Gospel takes place in a mountain in Galilee. Jesus instructed His disciples to travel to this mountain. When the disciples arrived, Jesus appeared before them. When they realized that it was Jesus who was in their midst, they were excited and overjoyed! And they worshiped Him! However, within minutes, their faith and joy began to dissipate. Matthew writes, “They began to doubt.” What was it that caused Jesus’ disciples to move from great joy and excitement to doubt within a few seconds? Did they wonder if Jesus was simply an illusion? Did they not believe that this apparition truly was Jesus? How sad it must have been for Jesus when he realized that His disciples did not trust that he truly was with them once again! Jesus approached them and spoke to them. He said, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” He then sends these faithful followers of His to “go forth and preach.” He commissions His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.” They were to baptize and teach. Their mission was to share with peoples of all nations what Jesus had taught them.
We do have responsibilities to our families and our community. However, for most of us, our call is to preach the Gospel every day, right where we are. We can preach the Gospel every day through what we say, how we say it, what we do and how we do it! The familiar adage “Actions speak louder than words” is very true! Every day we could “preach the Gospel” without saying a word. We can “preach the Gospel” simply by who we are, what we do, and how we do it! Words are simple and sometimes distracting. To preach how we live is a full-time commitment. If we choose to preach the Gospel, we simply need to live our lives in a loving and generous way. /Vulnerasti, 2023
