Gospel: (Matthew 28:16-20) 

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. Then they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.  Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and 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 time.” 

Reflection: 

Jesus knew that his mission was not to be continued by mere humans; on our own authority and power we could not give true witness and our doubts and misunderstandings could never be overcome.  Jesus knew that his mission could be entrusted to his disciples because they “will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon” them.  It is the Spirit who resolves doubt, clears up misunderstanding about the mission, gives wisdom, revelation, and knowledge.  Thus, being disciples of Jesus is not something we are alone. We are disciples by letting the Spirit work through us as we live our everyday life.  (Living Liturgy, p.142) 

 Vincentian Meditation:

 Vincent said to his priests: “…that we should be called to associate with, and to share in, the works of the Son of God surpasses our understanding.  What! To render ourselves–I do not dare say it-so great, so sublime, it is to preach the gospel to the poor, for it is above all else the office of the Son of God, and we are applied to it as instruments by which the Son of God continues to do from heaven what he once did on earth.  Great reason have we…to praise God and to thank him unceasingly for this grace!” (McKenna,          Praying with Vincent, p. 53)

Discussion:    (Share your thoughts on the readings after a moment of silence) 

Recall a time when you felt the presence of the Spirit in your life making you an instrument of God. 

Closing Prayer:

            We see the poor all around us and we long to respond to their needs, and so we pray:

-Spirit of God, fill us with your power.

            The hungry search for sustenance of body and spirit,

-may we empty ourselves to reach out to them.

            Many children are abused or live in poverty and fear,

-may we be advocates for all those who feel unprotected.

            Victims of violence cry out for justice,

–may we hear their cries and work for change.

            For the grace of being called to serve the poor,

-we give you thanks and praise!  Amen