Video Transcript

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Before his Ascension into Heaven, Jesus gathered His Apostles at the Sea of Galilee and gave them the Great Commission. He said, “All power 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

What a great responsibility Jesus gave the Apostles! Thanks to the Gift of the Holy Spirit, they were prepared for the challenge, ready for the Great Commission that continues to guide the Church to this day — and that changed the course of history forever. Jesus’ command to go forth and make disciples places us squarely at this point in history – today! Through famines, wars, plagues and civil unrest, the Church has labored with God’s grace to remain faithful to this mission. COVID or not, the year 2020 should be no different.

Today all are called — like His Apostles 2000 years ago — to go forth as faithful witnesses of the Living Jesus Christ. This is not something we can leave to our priests, deacons, Religious and parish leaders. As Catholics, we must all be alive in our faith! If you are baptized, you share in Jesus’ mission. But how do we do that during a pandemic? Some, in view of health concerns for themselves or family members, are limited in what is possible. Many, not able yet to participate in the Eucharist, are still able to pray each morning and evening, tune into Catholic programing and the televised livestream of the Mass and find other creative ways to feed their souls with what is good, true, and holy. This public health crisis must not lead to a crisis of faith. It is not too soon to look beyond the pandemic, asking how we can emerge stronger in faith and with deeper love of Jesus. As Cardinal Robert Sarah wrote on August 15,

“As soon as circumstances permit… it is necessary and urgent to return to the normality of Christian life, which has the church building as its home and the celebration of the liturgy, especially the Eucharist, as ‘the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed… [and] the font from which all her power flows’.”

As Catholics, we are called to be good stewards of God’s gifts, especially the Sacraments and the Sacred Scriptures; to be faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus, and generous servants of evangelization, bearing witness to the Good News of the Kingdom of God. I invite you to reflect on these duties, either alone or together as a family.

First, Stewardship:

How are you caring for your relationships with the Lord and those whom He gives you to love? How is your faith in Christ reflected in the way you treat others? Do you recognize that every person placed on your path is a gift from God to help you grow in holiness?

Second, Discipleship:

Is your gratitude for faith in Christ evident to others? Does the blessing of being a member of His Church shine forth in your eyes and your deeds? Have you ever said to another person about Jesus: Come and see?

Third, Evangelization:

Have you shared the story of how you came to know Jesus? How has your faith helped you through these last several months? In addition to thanking God for His mercy, have you shared that good news with others?

This is a time like no other in recent history, yet out of love God created us for it. I encourage you to reach out to your pastor, offering to call fellow parishioners, inviting them back to Mass or helping in other ways.

Let us not forget the last words of Jesus before ascending into heaven: “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of age.” If Christ is for us, who could be against us? His mercy should bolster our confidence. He promised He would never leave us orphaned.

It was at times when things seemed hopeless, like Good Friday, when the biggest explosions of grace and wonder were about to occur. The triumph of the Cross is the foundation of our hope. And God’s Gift of the Holy Spirit is the reason for our joy. That was true 2000 years ago. It is true for us here and now. God’s mercy surrounds us; He constantly draws near us. If we open our hearts to His mercy and surrender to Him with trust, we will find Him doing far more than we ever imagined.  Ask yourself: what is the Lord asking me to do right now? Then, say with St. Faustina, “Jesus, I trust in you!”

Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Diocese of Phoenix, pray for us. And may Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.