I know when I read this scripture recently (it was the gospel at Mass) and really reflected on it, I was struck by 2 things that surprised me. They didn't strike me so much as the obvious, but just God gently challenging me. Let me try and explain.
The first one was where it says " go and make disciples of all the nations" (v.19). Might seem pretty obvious, but what I reflected on was, how can I even think about doing that without being a disciple first? And on further consideration, it struck me how much easier it is to make disciples of all the nations than it is to be a 'good' disciple right here. I've worked in Calcutta, India; I've done missionary work in the Northern Territory; I've been on a travelling NET team; and although all of these came with their fair share of challenges, I often find the most challenging thing is CHOOSING to be a 'disciple' or always choosing 'love' and striving to be Christ-like in all of my everyday encounters and situations. It struck me that making disciples of all the nations may be difficult and seem overwhelming, but being a disciple 'at home' is just as difficult - if not more so!! And if I can't do that, how can I even consider taking up this call of Jesus?
The other part of the scripture that stood out was the very last part, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age". Pretty obvious really huh? Still gave me god-bumps though. How often do I REALLY believe that???? Not often enough let me assure you. The really cool thing is that it's not just until the end of my life, but FOREVER. No one else in the whole world can offer me that, nor can I offer it to them, not even the people I love the most.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Provoked some thought in me anyhow….
