We remain witnesses for Christ…
Reflections on the readings for the Ascension (May 13, 2021): ACTS 1:1-11; PS 47:2-3,6-7,8-9; EPH 1:17-23; 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.
"While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.” (Acts 1:10-11).
In the first reading on this celebration of the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, we hear the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles. This is the continuation of the Gospel according to St. Luke and shows us the development of the Church in its earliest days. It begins with a reminder of Jesus’ various appearances to the Apostles and others who were close to Him. These occurred during the 40 days from His Resurrection from the tomb until His ascent and return to His Father in heaven. We then hear Jesus tell them that in a short time the Holy Spirit will come to baptize them. Through the power of the Spirit they will become witnesses for Christ “‘to the ends of the earth.’… “While they were looking intently at the sky as He was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way’” (Acts 1:10-11).
It’s hard to imagine what those who were with Jesus thought or felt as He left His earthly time behind and went home to His Father. Surely they were excited and happy that all that our Lord promised had come to pass. After His Passion and Crucifixion, He had risen from the dead. They saw for themselves that Jesus was not simply a good and holy man of God, but the beloved Son of God. And their own part in communicating the message of eternal salvation would soon begin. They could not know what would happen to them or to other disciples of Christ in the days and years ahead. However, they finally comprehended that trusting Jesus completely was essential to all believers. He was their friend, their Lord, and the Savior of the world. So they would accept God’s grace and make His will their own. Two millennia later, that is still what our Lord asks of us and of all who call ourselves Christians.
Suggested missionary action: We can ask Christ to help us share the Good News with all those we meet. We can ask His guidance in proclaiming His word through our words, but, particularly, our example of faith, hope, but above all, love. And we can pray and support all missionaries today who continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus.
