Brothers and Sisters,
As we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord this Sunday, we are invited to listen intently at the last verbal direction given to the Apostles by our Lord Jesus (Matthew 28:16-20). This final direction is commonly called “the Great Commission.” The words are spoken to the Apostles but they are also spoken to us.
Before Jesus ascends in the presence of his followers, he passes on and entrusts them with the responsibility of carrying on his mission of proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel and of establishing the kingdom of God. This ordinary group of men and women are the ones who were chosen by God to be the heralds and witnesses of the resurrection. Through their words and actions, the world will know that Jesus is truly alive and more alive and present to us than he ever was. As Jesus’ earthly life ends, theirs and our mission and ministry begins.
Today, that responsibility now belongs to us. The first friends and followers of Jesus are our foundation of faith, and we are their descendants. It is now up to each of us in our own way to carry on the mission and ministry of Jesus. Through us today, the world will know that Jesus is alive, present and active in our world. As Pope Francis says to each of us, “every Christian is a missionary to the extent that they have experienced the love of God in Jesus.”
Even though we are celebrating the Ascension of Jesus, he has not left us, deserted us, or abandoned us. He is with us when we gather to break bread with each other. He is with us when we reach out to help and support each other. These are the signs that Jesus is in us and with us, today and forever. May we go out into our world and make disciples.
God Bless,
Deacon Howard
