Reflections
June 5, 2011
Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines — 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:
Go, therefore. Unlike the other Synoptic gospels, Matthew does not
report Jesus’ departure and ascension into heaven. What is clear in
Matthew is that Jesus promises to be always with the disciples. He asks
them to make disciples of all nations, to baptize them “in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus is here and has never left us! While we seek results and expect
conclusions, while we want an ending to every story, Jesus’ story is
different. It is never-ending: We have to continue it.
The ascension is not only about Jesus being taken up to heaven but
also about our assuming Jesus’ work, thereby perpetuating His memory and
continuing His legacy. The ascension is not just a vertical parting. It
has a horizontal dimension: Go, therefore! It is very much like prayer
that is a vertical appeal to God but has a horizontal direction to other
people. Life is not a race to the top; it is relational in orientation.
Hope is not only about looking up but also about holding on to one
another.
Our ascension – when and how we will be taken up to heaven – is God’s
problem. We should be more concerned about going to others. That is our
part of the deal.
Pray for and help in the mission programs of your church.
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