Matthew 28:18-20
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."
In this weekend's gospel from Matthew, we read the conclusion of the great sending forth. Jesus tells them, "Go, make disciples of all nations." This passage summarizes the mission of the Church: make disciples, baptize and teach. Jesus doesn't just proclaim it, but gives them confidence by telling them, he is with them in Spirit always, until the end of the age. It's interesting that the passage begins by the eleven gathering on the mountain, seeing him, yet still doubting. Despite all they had been through, they still had some doubt even though they still worshiped and deeply loved Jesus. In fact they loved him so much that they would give their lives for him. Yet they still had doubts and fear. This can be the same with us. It's only human to have doubt, to fear, to question. The scriptures show us this in many ways with the disciples. Peter, Thomas, James…all of them in some fashion. During times of trial it's easy to doubt. Eventually it can snowball into fear. This is what the evil one wants. Fear and doubt is when we aren't a close to God as we should be. But if we put our total trust in God, we can accomplish anything, including fulfilling the mission that Jesus gave us: to go make disciples of all nations. It can be intimidating and even scary at times to share the Good News with others. But Jesus tells us that he is always with us, even in times of doubt. Let me encourage you to continually ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to live and proclaim the Good News every chance you get.
