Teach the Nations

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations . . . I am with you always, until the end of the age." // Matthew 28:19, 20

He walked up towards the altar in his freshly ironed suit, bowed his head, and made his way to the ambo. He carefully positioned the step stool so he could reach the microphone and began reading the First Reading for his First Holy Communion Mass. This was his first time doing something like this.

This same little boy was chosen to be Baby Jesus at six months of age for the Midnight Mass even though I had originally declined the priest’s request because he was such a colicky baby. I couldn’t imagine losing another sleepless night, but the Catholic guilt set in, and we agreed.

This is also the church where he was baptized. This same church is where I begged Jesus to heal our son from the strabismus he had been diagnosed with at two years of age.

Same church, same kid, just a little bigger.

As I witnessed our son reading at his First Holy Communion Mass, my role as mother shifted to student. The congregation faded, and it was just me listening to God's word through my son.

In today’s Gospel, we read, “"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations . . . I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19, 20).

The call to make disciples of all nations may seem insurmountable, however, when we consider that we have been baptized by the Holy Spirit, we can be confident that we have what it takes.

It's not just me teaching my kids now. It’s my children witnessing to me what it means to have faith and offer it back. Their witness is simpler. It’s filled with head knowledge, but they lead with their hearts too.

They know Him and don’t have to be filled with the intelligence of Aquinas to teach the nations. We all share the baptismal call to evangelize, regardless of our age, education level, or experiences.

On this Feast of the Ascension, how are you called to be a light to the nations? Does your head knowledge get in the way of allowing your heart to lead?

Sister, today I am praying with you to ask the Holy Spirit to give us the grace to instruct one another with the heart of a child.