Commission

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Commission

Instruction   Command

Teach   Baptize   Adopt

Make Disciples Of All

Heirs

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scriptures:   Romans 8:16 and 17a

The Spirit herself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

If we are children, then we are heirs.

We are heirs of God.

We are joint heirs with Christ.

Matthew 28:18 to 20a

Jesus came to the apostles and said,

"All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go and make disciples of all people. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to follow all that I have commanded you."

Reflection

Have you ever been commissioned to take on a special task?

Maybe you were commissioned to be in the military, or to be a scout, or to serve in the medical profession. When the commissioning ceremony is over, you know that you are beginning a new phase in your life. Usually, you are going to be taking on new responsibilities.

You might wonder if you are ready and adequately prepared. You could be feeling some anxiety.

The apostles were in this position when Jesus commissioned them after His ascension. Jesus had prepared them for three years. He taught them. He prayed with them. They had frequent opportunities to see how He interacted with many different types of people at all levels in the society of His time---from the very rich to the poor and marginalized. 

Were they ready to follow His command?

St. Paul, in his Letter to the Romans, mentions and important element in measuring their readiness. If they truly realize that they are children of God and therefore heirs, they can gradually begin to know that God will be with them. A good mother and father will never abandon a child. They will do everything in their power to help their child succeed.

As the apostles accept their commission from Jesus, they will not be alone. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will be with them each step (and misstep) on their journey. 

Each one of us has received a similar commission. Jesus asks us to proclaim the Good News---to let everyone know that God wants to share an inheritance of Love with each person.

God invites us to be heirs.

What an inheritance we are given!

1. Have you ever been given a commission?

2. What can you do if you feel nervous about a commission you have been given?

3. How did your parents help you to succeed? 

4. Do you feel that God is with you on your journey of sharing the Good News?

5. What do you feel as you reflect on Kathy's photo of St. Francis?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)