“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptising them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.
And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew’s Gospel begins by introducing Jesus as “Emmanuel – God with us” and ends with the promise of Jesus to be with his disciples until the end of time.
It is time for Jesus to return to his Father. He meets his disciples for the last time. His final words give them direction for their future. In parting with his disciples Jesus gave them a mission for the future. That mission is also to us.
What is expected of disciples after Jesus’ death and resurrection? How will Jesus be with us?
Jesus is present in the neighbour in need, in created reality beautiful and awe-inspiring, whenever the disciples gather, in the word proclaimed, in the sacrament celebrated and through the Holy Spirit.
- Where, when and how did you get a sense of the meaning and purpose of your own life?
- How does that sustain you now?
- Is there any way in which that purpose ties in with the mission given to the eleven to make disciples of all the nations?
Perhaps we do not always feel this presence, but the words of Jesus are a guarantee that no matter what is going on in our lives or our communities or our church, he is with us, our Emmanuel.
Prayer
Emmanuel—God with us—we thank you
that you are indeed always with us.
Help us to find you and
recognise where you truly are and
not just where we want you to be.
Source: www.tarsus.ie
