The Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord   Gospel A

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

· In Mathew’s theology, Jesus began his public ministry in Galilee and so the first disciples were to begin their ministry after Jesus’ departure in the same locale. But in actual fact, Jesus ascended near Jerusalem and the disciples after the coming of the Spirit began their ministry in Jerusalem before going to other areas.

· Why eleven?

When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. 

· What do you think Mathew is implying when he said that “they worshiped but they doubted?” Does it resonate with doubts you may have or had?

· Notice how knowing their doubts didn’t change Jesus’ relationship to them.

Then Jesus approached and said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 

· Jesus is the risen Lord and Savior. As Lord he has universal power and authority over all. He conveys that same universal power and authority upon the eleven disciples.  What other passages in the Gospels speak about Jesus giving power and authority to the disciples?

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. 

· This is perhaps the clearest expression in the New Testament of belief in the Trinity. By the end of the First Century it became the official baptismal formula in the Church, even though it seems that originally people may have been baptized in the name of Jesus.

· Jesus formed them into disciples and now they were commissioned to do the same: baptize (incorporate into the life of the community), disciple (form them), teach (inform them). Can you relate this to Acts 2:48ff?

And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." 

· How does this promise impact your life?

· How does Jesus’ Great Commission apply to you in your role as a disciple?

· Other reflections?

· What action will you take in response to this message?