Daily Gospel Reflection for June 1, 2014

Today's Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

Depending upon where you live, today you will either celebrate the Seventh Sunday of Easter or the Ascension of the Lord. I've chosen to write on the latter, since our family will celebrate the Ascension when we attend Mass today.

The gospel we read today marks the closure of Matthew's gospel. We read that the eleven disciples assembled atop a mountain at the risen Christ's directions. They saw Jesus and worshipped but also that they doubted. Then Jesus approached them, giving them a final commission: to go and make disciples, to baptize, and to teach. He sent them with forth with words of assurance, "And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." Surely those final words were a balm to the band of disciples, words that they would cling to as they ventured into uncertainty, persecution, frustration and danger. The assurance that in their mission they were truly never alone must have been a tremendous blessing.

Ponder:

In our homes, we moms live out daily the same commission given to the eleven: to create of our family disciples who love the Lord, to baptize our children in the trinity, and to teach them in ways big and small to follow Christ's teachings. When we doubt, fear, or whither in frustration, we too can claim those final words as our personal balm: "And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." We are never alone.

How do you cling to Christ's promise that he is with you always when you struggle and doubt in your discipleship?

Pray:

Christ Jesus, ascended to glory, be with me as I build up the kingdom in my home today. 

Copyright 2014 Lisa Hendey