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Vocation Meditation - May 4
Ascension Sunday
The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority 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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
This is the great commission moment, the Ascension! Jesus, by now had done everything to accomplish the will of the Father for the salvation of the world. Now, He sends his disciples to all nations to do a task bigger than themselves. Jesus passes on to them the full power of His divine authority: to teach, to rule with love and to sanctify all in the name of the Father, the Son and the Spirit.
Such a commission of great importance obviously requires robust followers who believe in Jesus' mandate without hesitation. Instead, Matthew records, some doubted. Jesus did not wait for perfect followers who will work in His Kingdom. Those who doubted may be lacking in faith but Jesus chose them, loved them and saw their great potential. He is willing to send them all - those quick to believe and those slow to believe - as He finds them. His call is permanent. He counts on the Holy Spirit to accompany his disciples, to guide His Church and everyone without fail till the end of time.
Vocation Challenge:
My vocation is permanent. The Spirit is with me.
I believe. I go to serve!
What are the 'doubting areas' of my life that need urgent catching up with the Spirit?
For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.