Eastertide #38

Remember, I am with you always.

(Matthew 28:20)

Even though Jesus can no longer be seen going before us, we still follow. Pentecost has to do with how it is that our ascended Lord remains with us. The Holy Spirit is the presence of our unseen Lord. Nothing has been lost. Jesus remains Emmanuel—“God with us.”

Nor has the mission of Jesus been lost. It continues (Mt 28:19-20): “Go 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."

Jesus’ mission on earth, remains our mission—the church’s mission: the deed of baptism that identifies us as Christ’s disciples; and the word of Jesus which makes us his learners. Before the Gospels were written, the Apostle can say to the church of Ephesus (4:20-21): “That is not the way you learned Christ! For surely you have heard about him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus.”

“As truth is in Jesus.” We make claim to no other Truth.