St. Mary's Church Elizabeth, IL

5/17

The Ascension of the Lord

"I am with you always, to the end of the age."

                                                                   Matthew 28:20

Read Matthew, chapter 28, verses 16 to 20

     Matthew ends his Gospel with an appearance of the risen Christ to the diciples gathered on a montain in Galilee.  Jesus promises to remain with this Church always (verse 20).  These last verses reflect the same narrative-discourse pattern which Matthew used to shape Jesus' ministry.  Jesus appears to the disciples (verses 16-17) and then teaches them (verses 18-20).

     Matthew packs his conclusion with the central themes of his Gospel.  The Church is highlighted with the great commission given to it.  The Gentiles are shown as part of the Church because disciples are to be made from 'all nations"(verse 19).  The Church is to teach as Jesus taught (verse 20).  It is not to fear.  For Christ whose birth was announced as "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), and who promises to remain with us always (verse 20) will be with the Church whenever two or three are gathered (Matthew 18:20).

     Matthew remains this sympathetic realist.  Even as the disciples stand in the glory of the risen Christ, some doubt (verse 17).  The great Church, proclaming to the nations, is never perfect.  Here the reader remembers the gentle rebuke of Matthew's Gospel, "O you of little faith."  The teaching has been given,  The Lord has been raised.  The community has been charged with a worldwide mission.  We still sin and doubt.  Is this cause for despair?  Only if we would stand with Judas.  We choose to stand with Peter who denied his Lord yet remained "the rock."

     Go forth, the, O Church of Christ, ever believing, ever doubting.  You are flawed and wounded, but the Gospel of Christ is in your hands!

For reflection:  When have my faults held me back from my mission?  When have they reminded me where my true strength lies?

Prayer starter:  Risen Lord, when I doubt my ability to serve you, remind me that it is not my Church but yours.  Let your work be done in me.

Fr. Joachim