Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority 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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus told his disciples that he is with them, and therefore us, to the end of time. He was leaving them but not without his presence for all time. He asked the disciples to make disciples and teaching them to obey his commands. Jesus' commands were built on the premise of love. Love you neighbor as yourself, full stop. Making disciples is not making converts, nor bending people to the cultural assumptions of the disciples, nor removing them from all they love and that is familiar. To be disciples, we must love as Jesus did, eating with the outcast, visiting the prisoners, caring for the sick, and protecting the widows and small children for a start. Being a disciple and making disciples is simply loving as Jesus did.
A Litany for Ascension Day
Loving Creator, you are never far from us
you taught us how to love as Jesus does
and remind us to follow his humble ways.
Lord Jesus, be near to your disciples here on earth.
The world is an angry and torn up place
and we often react with furor and spite
we forget your call to love at all times.
Lord Jesus, be near to your disciples here on earth.
Your love breathed life into a new world
and you put your spirit into our hearts.
Lord Jesus, be near to your disciples here on earth.
You love us and call us each by name
you are the loving perfect mother of creation.
Lord Jesus, be near to your disciples here on earth.
We will stray, and judge and rage about
yet you will swaddle us and comfort us.
Lord Jesus, be near to your disciples here on earth.
There is no darkness when you are here
loving us in our cruelty and imperfections.
Lord Jesus, be near to your disciples here on earth.
Lord, make us your disciples again today
so we might love as you have loved us first.
Lord Jesus, be near to your disciples here on earth. Amen.
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