“When the disciples saw Jesus, they worshiped him, but they doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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.” [Matthew 28:17-19]
Did you notice that the disciples doubted? I find this very comforting. Even the eleven who had spent time with Jesus for three years and then experienced his death and resurrection still doubted! This is good news for those of us who have chosen to follow Christ today. It means that to be a disciple we don’t have to know everything or need to have an iron clad faith that has no doubts. It simply means we must be willing to follow the teachings that Jesus commanded the disciples. Of course, this is no easy task. To love your enemies, turn the other cheek, and pray for those who persecuted you to name just a few. Even the summary commands of love God and love neighbor are challenging. To be a disciple doesn’t mean we have to be flawless or perfect; it just means we must be willing to try and try again to live with others as Jesus lived among us so many years ago. It’s obvious after all the interceding years that we are still works in progress. Thanks be to God for God’s patience with all of us!
Prayer
Loving God, I give thanks for your patience with me. I do struggle with doubts. I want to share your love with others, but often I don’t even feel loving towards myself. Help me to try again and yet again to love others as you love your creation. Amen.
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