Day 1: Called to follow Jesus
Bible: Read Matthew 28:16-end
‘Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’
Read the passage through a couple of times. What words stand out to you from this passage? Why are they important for you today?
Reflection:
This scripture passage is often called ‘The Great Commission’; Matthew recounts how Jesus was now ready to ascend back to his heavenly home and so he commissions his friends and sends them out into the world to make disciples. Jesus’ friends are to continue his earthly work with the heavenly power of his Holy Spirit. They are to travel wherever the Spirit leads and extend the invitation of following Jesus to all.
As we begin this novena (nine days) of prayer for vocations, think today about how you became a disciple of Jesus Christ. Write your story of how you came to follow the Lord Jesus. Who were the people that inspired you on your journey, who has helped you follow Jesus? Who has helped you grow in the faith?
Saint Teresa of Calcutta wrote that, “Vocation is simply a call to belong totally to Jesus Christ, with the conviction that nothing can separate us from his love”. This is such a lovely description of what it means to be a disciple and follower of the Lord Jesus. This is our common calling, the vocation that we all share.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, beautiful saviour, risen and ascended Lord, help me to follow you closely; to be faithful to your teaching and to never be separated from you. In your holy name. Amen.
Prayer topics for an extended prayer time:
Pray in thanksgiving for those whose example has been an inspiration and led you to the Lord Jesus and to grow in your faith.
Pray, forgiving those whose example, words or actions have wounded your faith. Pray for your church family as you seek to follow the Lord Jesus together. Pray for those known to you who do not yet share your faith, that the Lord may change their hearts.
Pray about what it means for you to belong totally to Jesus Christ. If you can, as well as speaking out your prayers to the Lord Jesus, spend a few minutes in silence, listening for his words to you.
Paul