P ♰ C

by Jean Allen

Before Jesus ascended, what did he tell his disciples to do? He said to make disciples of all nations, baptize them and “teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” From the last couple of weeks, we have explored what Jesus commanded them (and us) to do: Serve one another, love and accept one another and forgive each other. Wow! What would this world have been like if we had kept to the bare essentials of following Jesus? But, like all human beings, we made it complicated. And I think Jesus expected that.

He could have spent his last moments with them giving them all sorts of intricate instructions, explaining things to watch out for, showing them ways to circumvent all the difficulties they would face and trying to settle doubts, but he didn’t. He offered them brief words which were a simple way forward but he knew. He knew things would get complex and messy. These were human beings whose ancestors had taken 10 simple commandments and developed a faith life built upon layers and layers of laws and a spirituality that revolved around blood sacrifice. He knew with whom he was entrusting the development of his Church. He knew who we were (and are) but he also knew (and knows) who is in control, no matter what kinds of messes we make. He trusted the Father, the Holy Spirit, himself and the ultimate plan. He didn’t have to have everything perfect and in order before he left. He trusted the plan.

We need to trust the plan and understand that whatever we do or don’t do with our willing hearts and excellent intentions, in the end, the Trinity is in control. And the Trinity, instead of micromanaging everything, is engaged in living the commandments they left for us to follow: serving in humility, loving, accepting and forgiving. Oh. And laughing. The Trinity can laugh because there are no worries in living the commandments. The commandments and the ultimate plan will win.

Did you get that? They WILL win.