Parting words hold significance, especially when it might be the final exchange among friends in this lifetime.
We recently were reminded of Jesus’ own parting words to his Apostles in the Gospel readings on the solemnities of the Ascension and the Most Holy Trinity. Jesus commissioned his disciples to spread the Good News to all nations, saying, “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
These familiar words are meant not only for the 12, but for all the baptized. We are called both to be disciples and make disciples.
This commissioning summons us to be heralds of Good News in our daily lives, bearing witness to the saving message of Jesus Christ. We are called to be disciples, and to make disciples of all peoples teaching them to live the fullness of the Gospel that Jesus revealed to his Apostles.
This mission transcends time, geographical boundaries and cultural differences, uniting us in a common mission to share the light of faith and saving truth of the Gospel with those around us. This mission is not only a duty of priests and bishops, but it is the responsibility of every baptized and confirmed Catholic.
I wrote the following words in my 2019 pastoral letter, “Go Make Disciples: Building a Culture of Conversion and Discipleship:”
“I call on us as an archdiocese and as the Body of Christ to a renewed commitment to authentic discipleship. We give thanks for the abundant harvest that God has brought forth in our archdiocese. It is my prayer that we continue to advance in a direction that bears abundant fruit in the coming years, even ‘thirty, sixty and a hundredfold.’ I call you to be disciples and go make disciples! This is why we are here! This is our mission.”
In the five years since publishing that pastoral letter, we have witnessed great fruit. I am thankful to God for the blessings we have received through the collaboration of so many, for their steadfast witness to Jesus Christ through their words and actions in their homes, parishes, workplaces and communities.
The invitation to participate in this apostolic mission ought to be humbling for us. We must avoid complacency. After all, it is the Lord’s work in which we have been invited to share by placing our gifts at the service of one another.
It is the Lord’s desire that all of us generously embrace the summons to serve in the mission field assigned to us. Our mission field may be the home or among our friends or in our workplace. We are all called to be missionary disciples.
Admittedly, this is a duty that may be met with reluctance by many Catholics because of fear, a feeling of being ill-equipped or a sense of unworthiness. Embracing the call to live the Gospel and share the Good News of Jesus Christ requires courage and trust in divine guidance.
We must remember that every act of personal witness or apostolic service, and every conversation that advances the Kingdom, no matter how small, begins with God’s grace and bears fruit only with our cooperation. Overcoming our personal hesitations allows us to grow in faith and allows others to experience the merciful love of God.
To support one another in this endeavor, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City hosts the Discipleship Conference each year. The 2024 Discipleship Conference will bring together faith-filled, dynamic Catholic speakers such as Edward Sri, Hilary Draftz, Andre Regnier and Father Ernesto Maria Caro to lead participants through a day of inspiration and transformation.
In addition to the keynote and breakout sessions, this full-day event features exhibits, music and liturgies that celebrate the depth and beauty of our Catholic faith.
We anticipate as many as 1,800 attendees to fill the Oklahoma City Convention Center on Saturday, Aug. 10. I encourage you to join me regardless of where you are in your own journey of faith.
You will find the Discipleship Conference a unique opportunity to gather with Catholics from across Oklahoma who are ready to recommit to Christ and his mission.
As we take the next steps in this journey of faith, let us be reminded of Jesus’ final words in the Gospel passage that began this column – the final words of the Gospel of Saint Matthew – “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”