First Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Reflection:
This Sunday we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, which is deferred from the official date of the Thursday that falls 40 days after Easter Sunday (May 18th this year) to the nearest Sunday. Forty days after His Resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven. This Sunday’s first reading recounts this event, along with Jesus’ last words to the Apostles. We hear that Jesus instructed them to wait in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit. The following Sunday we will celebrate Pentecost, when this promise came true. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles would “receive power.” This power would give them what they needed to be witnesses of Jesus Christ “in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). That verse, in fact, functions as a sort of thesis statement for the entire book of Acts. The structure of Acts follows the Apostle’s ministry first in Jerusalem (the central location for the earliest Christians), then in Judea and Samaria (surrounding regions, but still local to the Apostles), and then to “the ends of the earth” (in their time, this would have been the expanse of the Roman Empire). The book of Acts ends with the Apostle Paul in Rome, the heart of the Empire, preaching the Gospel “without hindrance” (Acts 28:30), indicating that the Gospel had spread to “the ends of the earth.” But yet the “ends of the earth” goes beyond the Roman Empire as it was during the age of the Apostles. There is still work to be done in reaching the “ends of the earth” today. Jesus intended for the message of the Gospel to be brought to the whole world–all peoples, at all times. Therefore, like the Apostles, we are also called to be witnesses of Jesus Christ in our Jerusalem (those closest and most familiar to us), our Judea and Samaria (those close but less familiar), and even “to the ends of the earth” (wherever and to whomever God may call us to give witness). We cannot, however, do this without the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us.
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23
Reflection:
As we hear in this passage, Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God the Father in heaven. This position indicates royalty and sovereignty. Jesus, as fully God, governs the universe. He is above all other powers and authorities. He is the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. He is also the head of the Church, which is the body of Christ. Jesus guides His Church, which He founded through the Apostles, by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives us knowledge of Jesus, helping us to see and understand His truth. In fact, Jesus promised elsewhere that the Spirit will lead the Church into “all truth” (John 16:13). Therefore, by ascending into heaven, Jesus does not leave us as orphans to fend for ourselves. On the contrary, as we will see in the Gospel reading, Jesus promises to always be with us. He will never abandon His Church, which is His very body and, as described elsewhere, His bride. Thus, we can trust the Church, because Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit will guide it faithfully.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:16-20
Reflection:
At the end of Gospel of Matthew, we hear another account of some of Jesus’ last words to His Apostles before His Ascension. Although some of them still had doubts, their reaction to being in the presence of Jesus was to worship Him. His words to them have been traditionally called the “Great Commission.” Jesus first explained that He has “all power in heaven and earth.” He has authority over all things because He is God. He then sent His Apostles out on mission. They were not to stay put, but were to take action and spread the Gospel. As they went out, they were to do three things: 1) make disciples, 2) baptize, and 3) teach. A disciple is a student or follower of a teacher, a master. As disciples of Christ, we have a relationship with Jesus and follow His lead. In other words, we let Him be in the driver’s seat of our lives. The Apostles were called to “make disciples of all nations,” meaning they were to help others encounter Christ and live in relationship with Him. They were also to baptize and teach. These components are essential to living as disciples, for baptism incorporates us into Christ, allowing us to have life in Him and receive the Holy Spirit, and His teachings give us the direction for how to know and follow Him. Jesus did not leave us alone in this journey of discipleship. He promised to always be with us, guiding us in the path we should go. He primarily guides us through the Church, which is empowered by the Holy Spirit. In and through the Church we are baptized, taught, and formed into disciples of Christ.
Application:
- Reflect on Jesus’ statement, “I am with you always.” In what ways have you seen Jesus’ presence in your life lately? Look for ways Jesus is present in your life in this coming week.
- The Holy Spirit dwells within every baptized person, but sometimes we ignore His presence in our lives. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you seek to follow Jesus, and listen to His lead.
- Do you think of yourself as a disciple of Jesus? Reflect on what areas of your life you need to work on being a better follower of Jesus, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you take action.
