Most Holy Trinity

“I Am with You”

Matthew 28: 16-20

Today we listen to the very last passage in the Gospel According to Matthew and Jesus’ last words in this Gospel, “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

This sentence brings us back to the first chapter of Matthew, with revelation of the Messiah’s name as “‘Emmanuel,’ which means ‘God is with us’” (1:23).

In the incarnation, Jesus draws us into the divine mystery of the Trinity.  By his being with us “always” he makes us one with him – children of God (2nd reading from Romans 8: 14-17).

Such privilege!  Such love!

Image source: Andrei Rublev, Trinity

 

Pentecost - B (May 20, 2018)

“I Send You”

Scripture Readings

The Scripture readings for Pentecost convey the themes of unity and peace.  The disciples were together both after the Resurrection (Gospel, John 20: 19-23) and on Pentecost (first readings).  From the beginning, the Church has gathered people from all nations and languages into one (first reading).  God has given different gifts to different people, but all are one (second reading, 1 Corinthians 12).

But it is not a kind of gathering of people who only look inward. 

Jesus sends us out, each with the unique gifts from God, to continue the mission of Jesus, which is to gather all nations into God’s family: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

During World Youth Days, millions of young Catholics from all over the globe gather together with the Pope.  This picture shows a corner of the WYD candle vigil during the 2016 World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland.

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Ascension of the Lord - B (May 13, 2018)

Heaven

Mark 16: 15-20

The disciples witnessed Jesus “being taken up to heaven.”  They knew that heaven was now also the destination of their journey.   

From then on, they lived with a purpose.  “They went forth and preached everywhere.”   

Celebrating the Ascension of Jesus reminds me that my journey has the same destination – heaven, and that my life has the same purpose – to preach the Gospel everywhere.

 Image source: http://www.agnusday.org

6th Sunday of Easter - B (May 6, 2018)

Remain in Me

John 15: 9-17

Today’s Gospel passage follows immediately the passage we heard last Sunday. 

One way of reading these passages together might be:  If we want to have life, remain in Jesus (last week), and if we want to be loved and to love, remain in Jesus.

Apart from him there is no life and there is no love.   

Image source:  www.agnusday.org