The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
"The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them." (Mt. 28:16-20)
Three scripture passages caught my attention in Matthew's gospel for Trinity Sunday. Repeatedly, I asked myself, "Why would Jesus order the disciples to go to a mountain?" I am sure there were some homes they could have visited. There were undoubtedly many places of worship where the disciples could have stayed to meet Jesus. For a moment, ask yourself, "Where is Jesus sending me today?"
The next verse intrigued me: "When they all saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted." Look closely at this text; they saw Jesus and began to worship him, but they doubted. Are you puzzled as well? How do you worship Jesus and have doubts? Or perhaps, "What kinds of things were they doubting, their future ministry?" Here, my spirit reminded me of the scripture passage when the father tells Jesus, "I believe, just help me with my unbelief (Mk. 9:24)." For a moment, ask yourself, "Is my worship strong enough to remove my unbelief when ministering?
Finally, this verse is inspiring: "And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." Jesus discerned the disciples' spirit. Remember, Jesus sent the disciples to a mountain with limited information. Their worship, tainted by doubt, more than likely concerned Jesus. Hence, after giving the disciples the great commission, Jesus tries to seal the call. He promises the disciples that He is with them always. No matter where they are, on a mountain or in a valley, where their ministry takes them to baptize, Jesus promises He will be there.
Therefore, as we reflect further on this gospel, recall the lyrics by the Jackson 5, "You and I must make a pact, we must bring salvation back. Where there is love, I'll be there. I'll reach out my hand to you; I'll have faith in all you do. Just call my name, and I'll be there." Praise the Lord, call Jesus' name, and He will be there; He has faith in all you do. Just reach out your hand; His love will carry you through. Use the words of the Great Commission in your prayers today.
The Great CommissionÂ
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."
Author: Evang./Prof. Michael Howard, MACS
Facilitator, University of Dayton, VLCFF,
University of Notre Dame, McGrath Institute, STEP Online,
Lead Faculty and Course Designer "The Presence of Black Catholics in the Church Today and Tomorrow" Loyola Marymount University,
Founder of Eat the Scroll MinistryÂ
Comments