St. Matthew’s Gospel 28: 16-20 – Reflection by Msgr. Marino

A Reading from Matthew’s Gospel 28: 16-20

Commissioning of Disciples
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: by Msgr. Marino
Only eleven disciples gathered on the mountain top because Judas Iscariot had defected from the company of twelve. However, we can look at this in another way. The group is short one … and isn’t that always the case!

The company of Jesus could always use one more who is willing to go and make disciples of all nations! Is that one, you? Are you willing to become a disciple who brings others from your family and friends to Christ?

The Church is calling all the baptized to embrace the New Evangelization. Become an active disciple who seeks out the lost and invites them to accompany you in the ways of Christ … invite others to come back to Christ at the Eucharistic table of Holy Sunday Mass!

Notice that when they saw Him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Christ is not looking for perfect disciples; He has from the beginning always invited the weak and incomplete to join Him. It is not our strength that will bring others to Christ; it is Christ working though us! So, as Christ has said to disciples throughout the ages: Do not be afraid–I am with you always, until the end of the age.

What is holding you back from becoming an active disciple of Christ? What are you afraid of? Christ is at your side always and forever!

Click here to read more reflections from Rev. Msgr. Joseph Marino.