Brothers and Sisters,
This week, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord which is when Jesus ascended into heaven 40 days after Easter. It is a celebration that I think sometimes we tend to downplay or think as less significant. But it is at the Ascension when Jesus gives His final words to His disciples. So, if these are His parting words, they must have significant importance for us, right? They should form how we act and give purpose to our life. Jesus said, “go and make disciples.” This was a command from Jesus not a suggestion. This is called “The Great Commission”, not “The Great Suggestion.” It’s not an option for us. It is the very reason for the Church’s existence.
And those words were not only said to His first disciples but to each of us too. These words are the mission statement for the Church and for every disciple. This should be what we are about as a Church which is trying to create an environment of kindness and welcome and compassion and challenge in which people can meet with Jesus and make a decision to follow him. Knowing that they will be loved and supported and not judged as we all walk forward on our spiritual journey together. We have been given the responsibility of caring for one another, encouraging one another, and nurturing one another as we journey towards God as disciples. But we must be taking this responsibility seriously, so ask yourself as I ask myself often, what are we doing to encourage other people in their Catholic faith? What role are we initiating to support discipleship? Are we being that willing open vessel for the Lord to work through? People will be attracted by how we genuinely love and care for each other. Are we prepared to step out in faith and trust God to do the work through us? After all, He is the one who converts hearts, not us.
God Bless,
Deacon Howard
