Go and make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 28:19
Begin with a few moments of quiet.
The intention is to open yourself to the presence of God within you and among those gathered.
Invite all present to sit comfortably.
When sitting comfortably, take three deep breaths, as you breathe in feel your lungs filling all the way up, when they are full slowly release your breath and feel your lungs emptying out fully. Repeat this three times.
Now return to breathing normally and make the sign of the cross:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Invite each person present to take a few moments to reflect on:
Where in the past week did I encounter God in my life?
Where in the past week did I inhibit God in my life?
Allow time in quiet for this and then, after a few moments, invite those present to share on this, if they are comfortable to do so.
If you like to have some quiet music playing during this click below.
Introduce the Gospel
As we move beyond the season of Eastertide, we enter into ‘ordinary time’. In these days, we do not know what ordinary is anymore, ordinary will evolve over time. Our Gospel passages will take on a whole new meaning as we move through these ordinary days.
On this Sunday we celebrate the Trinity
When people struggle to believe in God at all, our Christian faith in God as Trinity may seem somehow a needless complication. Yet, we do know that relationships and relationality stand at the heart of our human wellbeing.
Words do fail us, of course, and yet we know that God in God’s own very being is Love. This inner love (the “immanent Trinity”) has been spoken and told, disclosed and revealed in Jesus and the Spirit (the “economic Trinity”). And yet, we affirm one God.
This evident paradox must first of all be lived in prayer and only then haltingly alluded to in stumbling words.
Read the Gospel – Matthew 28:16-20
Read the Gospel aloud, even if you are on your own.
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 came up and spoke to them. He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise 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.’
Reflect on the Gospel
Sit quietly now for a few moments and allow the images created by hearing the Gospel to emerge. Use the quietening music again if you wish
Using some or all of the following questions, today and or on different occasions over the coming week reflect on this Gospel passage.
- Jesus meets the disciples for the last time. His final words give them direction for their future. Perhaps you can recall such parting moments in your own life – leaving home, school, college, or the death of a loved one.
Was there an occasion when the words spoken to you gave you direction for the future? - Perhaps you can identify with Jesus in the story, when as a parent, teacher, or in some other way you sent someone on his/her way in life, knowing that you would not be with him or her as in the past.
When did the way you parted help the other to make his or her way in life? - Despite this extraordinary encounter with Jesus some of the disciples doubted. Dealing with questions and doubt is part of an adult faith journey.
How have your questions and doubts helped to shape the faith you have today? - Jesus commissioned this collection of believing and doubting disciples to carry on his work. We inherit that mission today.
How do you see yourself as commissioned to continue the mission of Jesus? - Jesus told his disciples that although he would not be physically with them he would be with them in a new way right through life.
Have there been times when you were reassured by the love and support of another even though s/he was not physically present with you?
What are the things that help you to be aware of the presence of Jesus with you on life’s journey?
Finish this part with a Prayer
Merciful and gracious Father, you showed the fullness of your love when you gave your only Son for our salvation and sent down upon us the power of your Spirit.
Complete within us the work of your love, that we who have communion in Christ may come to share fully the undying life he lives with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
Close the time of Prayer with the Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Take a moment now to bring to mind those you want to share peace with, family, friends, those where your relationship is broken.
Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil,
graciously grant peace in our days,
that, by the help of your mercy,
we may be always free from sin
and safe from all distress,
as we await the blessed hope
and the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
Additional Resources
Fr. Kieran O’Mahony offers a scriptural analysis on the readings here: Written
An short exploration of the Trinity by Fr. Richard Rohr OFM:
And over the week, you might like to sit with the following image in prayer.
Breaking Open the Word in Prayer 