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Our Scripture passage comes from the Gospel of Mark 14:12–16 and 22–26. This account of the Last Supper on the Feast of Passover provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the gift of the Eucharist and to deepen our appreciation of the importance of this Sacrament for disciples. It is through this meal that Jesus establishes the New Covenant with us in His Blood. Through the prophetic instruction of His words and the identification of Himself with the bread and wine, Jesus is teaching us about the meaning of the Eucharist and its intended effect in our lives. 

Our Scripture passage comes from the Gospel of Matthew 28:16–20. In this text we read of Jesus’ Great Commission to the Church to go forth and make disciples of all nations. Following this Great Commission, Jesus then goes on to specify the two particular ministries that are necessary in order to make disciples: Baptism and teaching. These two ministries are analogous to necessary ingredients of a recipe. Let’s look at each of these ministries so as to better understand how we can fulfill our Lord’s Great Commission and make disciples in our world today.

Our Scripture passage comes from the Gospel of John 20:19–23. It is the scene of the Risen Christ sending the Apostles and “breathing” on them. It is an appropriate passage to reflect on as we celebrate the moment when the first disciples were enlivened by the Holy Spirit and filled with enthusiasm to continue the mission of Jesus.

Our Gospel passage is taken from Mark 16:15–20. In this passage we hear Jesus’ final instruction to the disciples before the Lord ascends. These instructions provide a lasting lesson for the Church and all disciples as we strive to carry out the mission entrusted to us. Let’s look at this passage and reflect on some particular aspects of it.

Our Scripture passage comes from the Gospel of John 15:9–17. In this passage Jesus continues His instruction on love as the defining quality of discipleship. In order for disciples to remain in the abiding love, life, and joy of Jesus, they will need to keep His commandments. A disciple can be obedient out of a variety of possible motivations. In this teaching Jesus reminds us that our primary motivation for keeping His commandments should be our relationship with the Lord as friends rather than servants or slaves. The Greek word doulos is often translated as either “slave” or “servant”. Both translations are valid and each term offers insights into some distinctive aspects of discipleship. It should be noted that many great people of faith in the Old Testament and the New Testament were described as being the doulos of God. Some examples include Moses in Deuteronomy 34:5, Joshua in Joshua 24:29, David in Psalm 89:20, Paul in Titus 1:1 and James in James 1:1).