“When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.” Does this describe you and me as well? The commissioning of the disciples by Jesus Christ should be like a lit match that ignites the faith within each of us. Yet, just like the disciples, we worship, but we doubt.
How do we get beyond the doubt? God has given us so many examples and intercessors to keep us on the right path. We have a jealous enemy who does so much to keep us constantly confused by distorting or destroying our efforts, in hopes that we will tire and turn away. That is why Saint Paul urges us to “pray without ceasing” (see 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
When we truly put God first, this becomes easier and easier. I’m not saying that I have perfected my prayer life, but taking just one step in the right direction can make a big difference. Just saying “Jesus, I love you” as many times as you can during your daily routine brings Him to the forefront so you can receive the love He sends back to you.
The last two verses of today’s Gospel serve as the mission statement for the parish I belong to. To keep our mission before us, we read it at each leadership meeting. We have also added our core purpose, core values, what we strive to be, and where we are succeeding. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” can be overwhelming words for many of us. They require that we step out of our comfort zone, something we tend to enjoy so much that we become totally wrapped up in it, sometimes so tightly that we are unable to move.
I do not doubt the power of Jesus Christ, nor should you. We have been given many examples throughout our lives, and it is our duty to continually praise and thank Him for all He has done for us. Take a moment to consider your life and where you can see Jesus with you throughout it. When you doubt, what replaces it? Faith, belief, confidence, knowledge, and trust.
Jesus has given us the greatest gift; He has not only ascended but, He is “with [us] always, until the end of the age.” In times of uncertainty, open the Bible and start reading. He is right there.
“Al ver a Jesús, se postraron, aunque algunos titubeaban”. ¿Nos describe esto también a ti y a mí? El encargo que Jesús Cristo dio a sus discípulos debería ser como una vela encendida que aviva la fe en cada uno de nosotros. Sin embargo, al igual que los discípulos, adoramos, pero dudamos.
¿Cómo superamos la duda? Dios nos ha dado tantos ejemplos e intercesores para mantenernos en el camino correcto. Tenemos un enemigo implacable que hace todo lo posible para mantenernos constantemente confundidos, distorsionando o destruyendo nuestros esfuerzos, con la esperanza de que nos cansemos y nos alejemos. Por eso San Pablo nos insta a “orar sin cesar” (ver 1 Tesalonicenses 5,17).
Cuando realmente ponemos a Dios en primer lugar, esto se vuelve cada vez más fácil. No digo que haya perfeccionado mi vida de oración, pero dar un solo paso en la dirección correcta puede marcar una gran diferencia. Simplemente decir “Jesús, te amo” tantas veces como sea posible durante nuestra rutina diaria lo pone en primer plano para que podamos recibir el amor que Él nos envía.
Los dos últimos versículos del Evangelio de hoy sirven como declaración de misión para la parroquia a la que pertenezco. Para tener presente nuestra misión, la leemos en cada reunión de liderazgo. También hemos añadido nuestro propósito fundamental, nuestros valores fundamentales, lo que aspiramos a ser y en qué estamos teniendo éxito. “Vayan, pues, y enseñen a todas las naciones…” pueden ser palabras abrumadoras para muchos de nosotros. Requieren que salgamos de nuestra zona de confort, algo que solemos disfrutar tanto que nos absorbemos por completo en ella, a veces tan intensamente que nos resulta imposible movernos.
No dudo del poder de Jesucristo, ni deberías dudar tú. Se nos han dado muchos ejemplos a lo largo de nuestras vidas, y es nuestro deber alabarlo y agradecerle continuamente por todo lo que ha hecho por nosotros. Tómate un momento para reflexionar sobre tu vida y dónde puedes ver a Jesús contigo a lo largo de ella. Cuando dudas, ¿qué lo reemplaza? Fe, creencia, confianza, conocimiento y seguridad.
Jesús nos ha dado el mayor regalo; no solo ha ascendido, sino que está “con [nosotros] todos los días, hasta el fin del mundo”. En tiempos de incertidumbre, abre la Biblia y comienza a leer. Él se encuentra ahí mismo.
Marti Garcia’s passions are her retired life and growing deeper in her Catholic faith. Marti is a Sacristan/EM, facilitates small groups, and assists as a First Communion Catechist for parents. Being a parent educator and writer for 35 years, she recently published a children’s chapter book on Amazon, The Ladybugs. You can find her at her blog: MartiGarcia.org, or thewaterisshallow.com, or her cohost podcast, findingacommonthread.com, which is coming soon.
Feature Image Credit: Aristal, AI generated, pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-jesus-enlightenment-8605077/
The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.
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