I Am With You Always (Mt 28:16-20) by Paul Westendorf

29 May I Am With You Always (Mt 28:16-20) by Paul Westendorf

“…Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,… And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” ~ Mt 28:16-20 (full readings)
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Paul’s Reflections:  These verses have been labeled the “Great Commission”.  It is Jesus’ final instruction to His church.  Consider the culture that faced the disciples at this time.  The tension between the Jews and the Roman Empire was great.  In the Roman Empire you worshiped the Emperor, anything contrary was a threat.  Consider some of the rulers of the time such as Nero (54-68) who persecuted the Christians.  Yes these were the times in which Jesus gave His final instruction to his disciples.  You’ve heard the saying “same script different cast”.  Today we live in a world that continues to promote the importance of worldly things, supports putting emphasis on one’s own wants and satisfaction (I’m the Emperor) regardless of others, enacts laws that are contradictory to God’s teachings, and Government agencies that target and impede Christian organizations.  Times have not really changed and Jesus’ commission for us surly has not.  “…Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…”.  So what did Jesus command us?  Remember Jesus talking about the two greatest commandments.  “…And the second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself…” (MT 22: 36-40).  So we are called to be witnesses for Christ, to spread His word, to show His love, mercy, and forgiveness to all.  That is why in the LIFE Runners Creed we pray “and healing support for post-abortion women, men and families”.   We are all children in Christ and His disciples.  Do not fear the persecution, rejection, and hardships encountered because of it for “…I am with you always, until the end of the age.”   Jesus is our teammate and is running by our side always.
* Paul Westendorf is Membership Coordinator of the National LIFE Runners Team.  His is married to Jacquie and lives in Sioux Falls, SD.   Full bio.
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Faith Challenge:  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
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Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  St. Maximinus of Trier
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Faith Quote:  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
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Through Christ our Lord,
Paul
Jer 1:5