26 May 2024 - Daily Reflection - Homily

 The Great Commission: Reflecting on Matthew 28:16–20

Matthew 28:16–20 records Jesus' final instructions to His disciples before ascending to heaven, commonly known as the Great Commission. In this passage, Jesus commissions His followers to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This command remains central to the mission of the Church throughout history.

1. The Authority of Jesus: The passage begins with a reaffirmation of Jesus' authority over heaven and earth. This establishes the foundation upon which the Great Commission is built. As disciples of Christ, we are called to carry out His commands under His divine authority, trusting in His power and guidance.

2. The Mission of Making Disciples: Jesus instructs His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. This expansive vision underscores the universal scope of the gospel message and the inclusivity of God's kingdom. It challenges us to engage in evangelism and disciple-making, reaching out to people from every background and culture.

3. Baptism in the Triune Name: Baptism is a central element of Christian initiation, symbolizing the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. In baptizing new disciples in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we acknowledge the Trinitarian nature of God and the transformative power of the gospel to reconcile humanity to God.

4. Teaching and Obedience: Jesus instructs His disciples to teach new believers to obey everything He has commanded. Discipleship involves not only conversion but also ongoing spiritual formation and obedience to Christ's teachings. This highlights the importance of teaching, mentoring, and nurturing new believers in their faith journey.

Matthew 28:16–20 encapsulates the mission and purpose of the Church—to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Triune God and teaching them to obey Christ's commands. As followers of Jesus, we are called to embrace this commission with courage, faith, and obedience, trusting in His authority and empowering presence.

Prayer:

Gracious God, thank You for the privilege of participating in Your mission to make disciples of all nations. Grant us the courage and wisdom to proclaim Your gospel boldly, baptizing new believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May we faithfully teach and mentor others in obedience to Your commands, knowing that You are with us always, to the very end of the age. Amen.

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