Christ Appears to the Disciples
on the Mountain in Galilee
Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1311
...Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you always,
even unto the end of the world."
So have all other sentient beings.
Inspire me to see this and really to practice
Bodhi-mind, that carries the weight of freeing them.
Dear brothers and sisters,
On this Trinity Sunday, let us reflect on the message of the Gospel according to Matthew, and contemplate how we can apply its teachings to our daily lives. This passage reminds us of our duty to go out and share the good news with all nations, and to teach them all that Christ has taught us. This is a great responsibility, but it is also a great opportunity to spread love, compassion, and peace to all corners of the world.
As we reflect on this passage, let us also consider the words of Tsongkhapa, who reminds us that just as we ourselves have fallen into samsara's waters, so have all other sentient beings:
Bears all its sons away;
They fly forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
This is a powerful reminder that we are all "in the same boat", and that our actions have consequences not only for ourselves but for all those around us. It is therefore our responsibility to cultivate bodhichitta, the Awakening Mind that carries the weight of freeing all sentient beings from the cycle of suffering.
In this sense, the teachings of Jesus the Messiah and Gautama the Buddha share a common goal: to alleviate suffering and bring peace to all. The passage from Matthew reminds us that we are called to be messengers of this peace, to go out and share the good news with all nations. But in order to do this, we must first cultivate the inner peace and compassion that allows us to connect with others on a deep level.
As we reflect on these teachings, let us remember that the journey towards enlightenment is not an easy one. It requires us to confront our own weaknesses and shortcomings, and to strive to become the best versions of ourselves. But we do not undertake this journey alone: we are supported by the great Teachers in the form of their teachings and their communities of faith and practice.
So let us go forth with courage and compassion, inspired by those teachings. Let us strive to cultivate an Awakening Mind, and to share the message of peace and love with all those around us, near and far.