The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated.

Jesus had been with them, sharing intimately in their lives for three years, but now, in this meeting with the risen Jesus, they seem to sense a presence that impels them to fall prostrate even in spite of themselves. A new awareness, of who Jesus is, is breaking upon them, filling them with awe.

Jesus draws close to them. While they lie prostrate, Jesus comes up and speaks to them. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes to the end of time” Awesome!

When did we – like the disciples - set out for Galilee to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet us? Perhaps it was after an unsuccessful attempt at religious life, or a marriage that failed, or as we set out to look after a seriously ill parent.

We returned to our Galilee to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet us. And there one day we met Jesus in a way that took us completely by surprise, compelling us to fall down before him in spite of our hesitations.

We got a glimpse of who God is. While still knocked over by the spirit of wonder and awe in God’s presence, we felt Jesus coming up and speaking to us and we knew that we had to share in his mission of inviting others into discipleship, so that they too could be immersed in the life of Father, Son and Holy Spirit and learn what we were learning.

Many people can testify to this experience. Perhaps it was through a book we read, through a retreat, through a person who came into our lives or just in a quiet moment alone. Whatever it was, the “meeting” was awesome and life-transforming.

We sensed what it meant to be in Jesus, to be loved by his Abba and to have the Holy Spirit alive in us, bubbling up inside of us, urging us to reach out to invite others into this living, life-giving union with the triune God.  All of a sudden the reality of our baptism came alive and we wanted others to share in this experience.

Many of those most active in ministry in the Church today have had similar experiences. But what is true in Church settings is also true in other aspects of daily life.

When we set out for the place where Jesus has arranged to meet us, we open ourselves to new and unexpected, experiences that transform and give new direction to our lives.

We discover the presence of the triune God in us and around us in the ordinary, mundane aspects of life and see what we are being called to do. If, trusting Jesus’ assurance that he is with us to the end of time, we dare to follow where we are being led, we will dare to go beyond our small circle of close friends and family and become a part of God’s work of transforming the society in which we live.

Let us pray
Beloved Trinity! Thank you for your presence. Thank you for the times when you allow us a glimpse of your presence and we are able to recognise what you are calling us to do. Thank you for all who through the centuries have lived out their calling, drawing strength from the assurance that you would be with them.
Thank you for the difference they have made in the lives of those around them. Thank you for the way they have been able to face obstacles knowing that you were there. Their relationship with you has made them brave to move out into relationship with others.
Sometimes we forget. We lose sight of you. We doubt your presence. We become discouraged by the difficulties we see all around us. We become cynical. We feel overwhelmed by the challenges. We shrink back into our corners in fear. We do nothing. We blame others. Forgive us Lord.
Help us to enter boldly into what you are calling us to be and to do. Let our relationships mirror and draw strength from your own as we enter into our sharing in your mission of restoring the world in you.
Amen  

Christina Araujo, formerly of the Touch of Christ Deaf Community, is a Sinsinawan Dominican novice.