Before Jesus ascends into heaven, St. Matthew says that he told his disciples to go and baptise using the Trinitarian formula - in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. St. Matthew also has Jesus saying, just after this, at the end of the Gospel, “I am with you always, to the end of the age”.
This was an important assurance for the disciples who
were still recovering from his passion, death and resurrection. He does not assure them a trouble-free life or success, he assures them of his presence.
Jesus knows how significant the presence of others is and how community sustains and nurtures individuals. He experienced the sustenance and nurturing of the Father and the Spirit while he lived as one of us. He was able to face his fate, the passion and the cross because he was assured of the presence of the
Trinitarian community.
This week, we have reflected on the implication of being baptised into the community of the Trinity. We have seen how we are invited to live together in the same exchange of love, willing or desiring good for others and building unity. Sometimes, looking at our society and world, we might think this is a tall, unachievable order. Today, we are reminded that it is Jesus, sent by the Father, present to us in the power of the Spirit, who is with
us always. We are not alone, and our efforts to live Trinitarian lives are sustained and nurtured by God, who is always present to us, in us, and amongst us.
Take a few moments today to become aware of how God has sustained and nurtured you even in the most challenging times. Take time to thank the Most Holy Trinity for the life of the community of love that surrounds us quietly in the midst of all we do and face.
Reflections by Russell Pollitt SJ
