Reflections on Scripture | The Ascension of the Lord

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Matthew 28:16-20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee,
to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.
When they 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.”

Reflection

There's something about the phrase When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.

How do you worship God and still doubt? I don't think you doubt the facts that Jesus has shared with us about who the Father is. But what is likely to happen to us is that we doubt whether we can be the instruments that God is calling us to be. To bring His truth to the world. That is where we need to be sure that we are trusting not so much in our ability, but in what is being given to us by God to accomplish the task.

We will be successful. That's His promise. That's our hope. 

 

Closing Prayer

Father, confidence in your words has to also include confidence in our ability to be an instrument of bringing those words to the world. As we experience doubt, let us never let it overpower our conviction in the promise that you make that you will be there with us in all we're called to do. And what we will do will be enough. And we ask this in Jesus name, Amen.

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Kyle Cross