It’s our time to proclaim Christ’s gift of salvation in our words and actions
Reflections on the readings for the Ascension of the Lord (May 10, 2018): ACTS 1:1-11; PS 47:2-3,6-7,8-9; EPH 1:17-23 or EPH 4:1-13; MK 16:15-20
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
On this Ascension Thursday, the readings include the opening of the Acts of the Apostles that describes Christ’s final meeting with His beloved followers.
Before this, Jesus had told them that how He depended on them to share His message of hope and love. He looked to them to spread their faith in Him among other people. “‘You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When He had said this, as they were looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their sight” (Acts 1:8-9). Jesus’ final instructions to His Apostles are sometimes called the Great Commission.
Our Lord wanted His closest followers, those He chose at the start of His public ministry, to communicate the Good News far and wide. And they, in turn were to urge new believers to pass along His promise of life and love. In every subsequent age, disciples of our Lord have taken up this challenge. Whether as missionaries or through daily witness in our own community, it is our turn to reveal God’s mercy wherever we go.
Suggested missionary action: Each day from now through Pentecost, we can say a special prayer asking the Holy Spirit to help us grow in faith each day and share our faith with others.