May 31, 2015: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Faith means the acceptance of God’s word even though it is not fully comprehended. (Photo: This kneeler welcomes pilgrims to pray at the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima on the motherhouse grounds of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.)

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they all saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.
Then Jesus approached and said to them,
“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20)

Reflection:

Inspired by the gift of the Holy Spirit received on Pentecost, the disciples had the courage needed to go forward into Galilee to preach the gospel. Jesus Himself met with them in person on the mountain and gave them further strength. Although they believed, their faith was not without some doubt. It was not that they refused to believe, it was just that there was too much for them to comprehend. In spite of this, Jesus still sent them forth to make disciples of all nations. He promised that they would not act alone. The guidance of the Holy Spirit would accompany them and Jesus would be with them always.

Action:

One can be a faithful believer and still have doubts. Faith means the acceptance of God’s word even though it is not fully comprehended. It is not necessary to be perfect as disciples of Jesus. It is only necessary to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the knowledge that Jesus is with us always.