Overcoming Doubt by Seeking Jesus - Weekday Homily Video

Today’s gospel from Matthew is known as the Great Commission and it takes place after the Resurrection of Jesus and up on a mountain. This final scene also takes place in Galilee which brings the story full circle. For it was in this area that Jesus grew up, where the first apostles were called, and where the message of the kingdom was first preached. 

Still There is Doubt

Yet despite all of this, we hear that after the apostles saw the Resurrected Jesus “…they worshipped but they doubted.” In one sense, this should help all of us understand the humanity of the apostles—men who had witnessed the signs and miracles of Jesus—heard his preaching and saw Him face to face after the Resurrection—yet still struggled to believe it was possible. 

This inner battle to believe in the presence and power of God is just as real today. One of my priest friends, years ago on a retreat one week before his ordination wound up in an emergency room. He called his spiritual director and said, “Fr. Bill, you won’t believe this…” and Fr. Bill asked what was going on my friend said, “Well I’ve got gout, and I’ve got doubt!”  

Thankfully the doctor gave my friend the right medication and Fr. Bill gave the right spiritual guidance that allayed my friend’s crisis of faith. One reason I have always remembered that story is because to one degree or another we all face challenges to believe in God’s presence and power in this world and in particular in our own lives.   

Go and Make Disciples

When the apostles found themselves uncertain, it was Jesus who strengthened them by stating His authority when he said, “All power in Heaven and earth has been given to me.” And then conferred upon them the missionary mandate: “Go….and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” 

Jesus bolsters their faith by reminding them of His identity and authority which allows them to move beyond their doubts to fulfill the mission that He’s prepared them to carryout. He tells them to also teach all people--of all nations to observe—to live by all that He has commanded them. Jesus tells them that the entire world is their mission territory and there are no no-go zones-- as evidence by today’s martyrs Saint Paul Miki and companions. 

Passing the Baton

Jesus passed the baton to the apostles who then did the same to their successors all the way up to today. Likewise, our family members who have passed the faith along to each of us have done so overcoming challenges to believe along the way too.  

In a particular way, I think about how my Mom’s going home to God, and perhaps your parents and grandparents who have made the same journey, --can serve as a catalyst for us to share a faith in Jesus with our younger or even contemporary family members and friends. It is a faith, that allows us to enjoy the mountaintop experiences and keep moving through the valleys of sadness to better days—it is a faith leads us to way of life in imitation of Jesus. 

Saint Paul reminds of us this when says, “…yet I live no longer I, but Christ who lives in me…I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given Himself up for me.” 

May God bless you and your families this holy day as we live by faith in Jesus, the one who strengthens us in every way we need for the journey with Him. 

• Today’s Readings

• Father Pinto's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page. 

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