Matthew 28:19-20 and 22:37-40
"Therefore go 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 I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age. ... Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Jesus calls us to go and to love God and our neighbor.
Jesus gave us our mission: the Greatest Commandment and the Great Commission to go forth and baptize, heal and preach. We are given the authority to do so. Wow! We have so many questions on how is this is to be done. What do I say? What is the right way? What if I do it wrong? We love God but how do we love a neighbor who is different than us? Jesus, couldn’t you be more specific? I have no skills for this commission.
Now, imagine for a moment the simplicity of the words to love and go. St. Francis of Assisi told us to preach the Gospel all the time and if necessary, use words. It is the consistency of our actions of love that we connect with others demonstrating what Jesus is all about. We need to say very little. We do not need to worry about the “how” of the commission, but living it out in our daily lives. He has given you what is needed to reach out and minister to others. We develop confidence, trust and faith in God as he places us where we are most needed to complete his ministry.
Prayer
Loving Father, you have empowered us to go forth sharing the good news of your son, Jesus. Walk with us as we accept the commission and follow your commandment. Amen.