Contents
Introduction
The celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit last Sunday marked the end of the Paschal period and the beginning of the “Ordinary Time.” Therefore, it is very logical that on this Sunday of the Most Holy Trinity, the apostles and all believers receive the mandate to proclaim the Good News to every angle of the universe. The arrival of Jesus in Galilee (Matt 4:12) launched his mission to Israel while the arrival of the disciples in Galilee (Matt 28:16) launched evangelization of the Gentiles. With and through his resurrection, Jesus breaks every racial and geographical barriers (cf. Matt 15:24). Henceforth, the message of the Gospel is directed to all. After rebuking the disciples for their doubt, Jesus declared his authority, sent them on mission and promised them his eternal presence. The doubting of some of the disciples, is a manifestation of an imperfect and oscillating and undecided faith.
The Mission mandate
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matt 28:19). From the foundation of the total and universal authority of Jesus, springs the imperative of mission. The imperative “make disciples” encloses the sense and the scope of the mission. People will welcome the Gospel of the kingdom, by becoming disciples. For every one, the eschatological salvation is decided on this special bond with Christ condensed in the term “disciple.” Therefore, adhesion to Christ (with all that it implies) is the fundamental element of mission. In contrast to the Rabbi who led people to the Tor’ah (Law), Jesus makes himself the centre of the discipleship and as the scope of the mission of the disciples. It is a mission now extended to the entire universe (contrast Matt 10:5–7).
Conclusion
In his prayer to God for his disciples and for all believers, Jesus said “Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. That they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:11.17.21). Jesus wished and prayed that the same unity that exist between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit should also be found among his disciples and among Christians of every age. Jesus’ promise to the disciples is also extended to every believer, especially, those who sincerely and selflessly continue the promulgation of the Gospel in words and particularly in deeds. God the Father is involved in the expression “all authority”; Jesus as the son is involved in the command to.……
FOR DETAILS, GET YOUR OWN COPIES OF THE BOOK “THE WORD OF LIFE: SUNDAY REFLECTIONS” (vols. I and II)!! The reflection for the Most Holy Trinity (B) is found in vol. II pages 232–238. Happy reading!
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