In the Gospel of Matthew 28:16-20, we heard the eleven disciples met the resurrected Jesus on a mountain. They worshipped Him, though some doubted. Jesus declared all authority was His, then commissioned them: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them all I commanded.” He promised, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

I want to deepen our reflection with the pastoral implications of this Sunday’s Gospel using the acronym “Y-O-U-T-H” (not just the youth, but all the baptized Catholic Christians).

Y – Yours to accomplish: You(youth) are not just believers, but entrusted partners in God’s mission. The command of Jesus to “go”, is given specifically to you, calling you to share the Good News wherever you are—in schools, homes, and communities. Christs’ message: “Huwag mong isiping para lang sa mga matatanda, mga madre, mga pari o mga lingkod simbahan lang ang misyon, kayo din ay pinili ko para kumilos at ibahagi ang mabuting balita sa lahat ng pagkakataon”

O – One in baptism: United in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you belong to one family. This identity empowers you to treat everyone with love, breaking barriers and welcoming all into the faith. Christs’ message; “Mahalin at tanggapin ng bukas loob ang bawat isa at iwasan ang panghuhusga at pamimili dahil kayo ay iisang pamilya sa aking Ama.”

U – Under authority: You do not speak or serve on your own. You act under Christ’s supreme authority, giving you confidence that His message is true and powerful, not just your own opinion. Christs’ message; “Kayo ay kumakatawan sa akin, pagtiwalaan ninyo na ang salita at lakas ninyo ay galing sa Akin, kaya magtiwala kayo at wag mag alinlangan”

T – Teach and witness: Discipleship means learning and living. You are called to obey Christ’s teachings and show others how to follow Him by your own example and way of life. Christs’ message: “isabuhay ninyo ang aking mga utos at ipakita ninyo sa inyong mga gawa’t kilos”

H – Held by His presence: You never serve alone. The promise “I am with you always” is your strength. In every struggle or fear, His abiding presence sustains you until the end of time. Christs’ message; “huwag kayong panghinaan ng loob sapagkat ako’y laging sumasainyo, hawak ko kayo at hindi ko kayo iiwan magpakailan pa man”.

~ Fra. Jasper Ma. Bangud, OSM

SENT WITH PURPOSE, NOT ALONE

Matthew 28:16–20 has always felt like a deeply grounding passage for me, especially in seasons when responsibility feels heavy and the path ahead is unclear. The disciples meet the risen Jesus on a mountain – a place often associated with revelation – but what strikes me most is that even there, some doubted. This honest detail comforts me. It reminds me that doubt does not disqualify us from being called; we are still invited closer and still entrusted with purpose.

Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations” can seem overwhelming at first. Yet, when I reflect on it personally, I realize it is less about grand gestures and more about daily faithfulness. It calls me to live intentionally –through my words, my actions, and the way I treat others – so that my life quietly points back to Him. This means choosing patience when it’s difficult, offering encouragement when it’s needed, and holding on to integrity even when no one is watching.

This calling becomes even more meaningful when seen in light of the Ascension. When Jesus returned to the Father, it may have seemed like a moment of departure, even loss. Yet the Ascension is not an ending – it is a commissioning. In ascending, Jesus entrusts His mission to His followers. The disciples are no longer just witnesses; they are participants. They are sent forward with purpose, called to continue what He began.

What anchors this passage for me is Jesus’ final promise: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Even in His Ascension, His presence does not fade – it deepens in a different way. I am not being sent out alone or expected to rely solely on my own strength. Whether I feel confident or uncertain, capable or weary, He remains with me.

Ultimately, this passage reminds me that faith is both a gift and a calling. I am invited to trust, to go, and to serve – resting in the assurance that the One who sends me never leaves me. That my life is meant to have purpose beyond myself. I am called not only to believe but to act – to live out my faith in a way that influences others positively.

~ M‘JENN

PRAYER TO START THE WEEK
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to be Your disciples and to share Your love with others. Give us the courage to live our faith faithfully, especially when we feel afraid, uncertain, or unworthy. Remind us each day that You are always with us, guiding and strengthening us wherever we go. Amen.

Originally published in the Neo Jeremiah Voice of the Young Prophet Newsletter (May 17, 2026 issue)