Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority 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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20

For a couple of weeks now, I have been basing my reflections on scriptures from Matthew’s gospel. Before I leave that source, I just needed to pause on the final promise we hear from our Lord’s lips in Matthew.

“I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The disciples, who were about to watch their Lord ascend to heaven needed to hear that. And we, modern day disciples, who often face the problems of the world seemingly on our own, need to hear this too.

“I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

That was good news for the early disciples on the hillside after his resurrection. They felt his presence with them from that day on. And it is good news for us. We might not see Jesus, but we feel him daily. He is the warmth that embraces us as we hear of God’s loving forgiveness. He is the peace that passes understanding. He is the sense of calm that comes as we pray for guidance and grace. How do we know that?

“I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Jesus said so.

Prayer

God, remind me today, and every day, of Your presence in this world, and in my life. I pray for this presence promised to us followers by our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen.