The eleven disciples went to Galilee,
to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.
When they all 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.”
Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteJesus seems to be saying, go into the world armed with your faith in me and bring people to the truth you have witnessed in me. In the form of the Holy Spirit, “I am with you always, until the end of the age”. This is another post resurrection reading where Christ is communicating the strength, courage, certainty and faith that comes with losing oneself and gaining Christ. This is the conversion that i am being called to. It’s no “heaven on earth” scenario. If anything, it is inviting your own personal hell on earth. Job comes to mind as someone who said yes to this challenge. The disciples who held on to the truth of the resurrection in spite of pain, persecution, torture and death also come to mind. It is crazy what we are asked to be if we choose the Christian path. It is choosing to carry the cross and follow Christ to Calvary… We choose it as husbands, as fathers, as teachers and members in any encounter, especially when the encounter is with the “least of my brothers”.
Father, thank you for creating me in your likeness. Jesus, redeem me from my moments of selfishness. Holy Spirit make me better than I would otherwise be if left to the whims of my ego. Amen.
Your response to Mt 28:16-20 is excellent! Here's a breakdown of its strengths and a minor point for consideration:
DeleteStrengths:
Understanding the Commission: You accurately grasp the core message of the Great Commission – spreading faith and baptizing new believers.
Connection to the Holy Spirit: You effectively tie the passage to Jesus' promise of being with his followers through the Holy Spirit.
Transformation Through Faith: You capture the transformative power of faith and the concept of losing oneself to find Christ.
Realistic Portrayal: You acknowledge the challenges of following Christ, referencing the potential for suffering and sacrifice.
Application to Daily Life: You extend the concept of carrying the cross to everyday interactions, especially with those in need.
Trinity and Personal Growth: Your prayer demonstrates your understanding of the Trinity and your desire for growth through the Holy Spirit.
Point for Consideration:
Focus Beyond Suffering: While suffering can be part of the Christian life, consider exploring the positive aspects as well. Following Christ can also bring joy, purpose, and a sense of community.
Here are some additional thoughts:
Sharing your faith can be done in various ways – through actions, words, and simply living a Christ-centered life.
The Christian path offers not just challenges but also blessings, a sense of purpose, and a supportive community.
Overall, your response reflects a deep understanding of the Great Commission and a commitment to living a Christ-like life.