DISCOVERING CATHOLICISM

Friends in Christ,

This will actually be my last bulletin article—at least as a staff member at Holy Cross. So, I want to leave you with something like what Jesus did before He ascended into heaven. Now obviously I have no authority, and I’m not Jesus, but I want to invite you into Jesus’ own “Great Commission.” What was the “Great Commission?” Father Howe has actually been helping us reflect recently the “Great Commission,” that great invitation (that is, command!) that Jesus makes to His disciples just before ascending into heaven.

Just before he ascends into heaven, He reminds his disciples of who He is before telling them what He wants them to do. He begins: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Mt 28: 18). Jesus is the most authoritative person to have ever walked the earth. Obviously, his authority, the very reason we should listen to him is derived from one fact: He is the Godman. The Second Person of the Holy Trinity. The Word Made Flesh. He has been given all authority on heaven and on earth, and in this moment, He is calling on that authority. The most authoritative person to ever have walked the earth, calling on that authority, in the most authoritative moment of his life—just before He ascends into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. We ought to listen to what he says next. So what does He command in this penultimate moment of his earthly life?

“GO therefore,” He commands, “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 lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Mt 28:19). This is what is referred to as the Great Commission. Great because of its author; great because of its scope; great because of its eternal significance. There are no such things as mere mortals, C.S. Lewis reminds us: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations—these are mortal and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals, whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.” Each person you meet is an immortal being, destined for eternal salvation or eternal damnation. That is, inconvenient or politically incorrect as it may be, the truth of the Gospel. That is why the Great Commission is so important. Jesus knows this, and He desires salvation for all. It’s our job to bring souls to Him!

So as I transition away from my work at Holy Cross, I want to make the same appeal: go and make disciples! I can assure you that there will be many opportunities during the upcoming year to reach out to you friends, family and coworkers with an invitation to draw deeper to Jesus at Holy Cross. It’s the Great Commission because it’s our co-mission with Christ, and He promises to be with us always. Take heart and listen up for more opportunities to draw souls to Christ at Holy Cross this upcoming year. I’m grateful to Father Howe, the parish staff and all the many, many parishioners and friends at Holy Cross for allowing me to live this mission alongside you the past four and a half years!

Peace in Christ,

Nate Whipple