Working for the Word

Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: All power, Go, all nations, Father... Son... Holy Spirit, I am with you always

To the point: Who are the “nations” to whom Jesus sends us? All the countries of the world, to be sure. But also the close-to-hand “nations” of our own families, coworkers, friends, everyone who is part of our lives. What are we sent to do? Jesus has passed on to us his power to gather all human beings into the loving embrace of the Trinity. Because of baptism, our triune God dwells within each of us, enabling us to embody God's presence among the “nations.” We are the visible sign of Jesus' promise: “I am with you always.”

Connecting the Gospel …

… to the Second Reading: God's life in us is not something abstract but a relationship of children to our “Abba, Father.” This is the work and gift of the Spirit of God through Christ.

… to experience: The Trinity is not just a dogma but an indwelling presence of three Persons who continually create, save, and sustain us and all of creation.

**From Saint Louis University