On this special day, we celebrate the Ascension (40 days after Easter) moved to Sunday so that more of God’s people could celebrate this wonderful holy day. We celebrate twin milestones; Jesus’ ascension from earth to heaven and the commissioning of the disciples. Before he left them, he told his disciples to preach in his name to all nations, from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Then his apostles saw him lifted up and out of sight, never to return in bodily form until the end of time. As his disciples, let us carry on the mission of the first apostle trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide us and empower us to be witnesses to the world of Jesus’ love and forgiveness.
Unlike the apostles, we do not have to wait to accept the Christian mission. In both the first reading and the gospel, Jesus tells his disciples to wait until they are baptized with the Holy Spirit. We have already been baptized and confirmed with the Holy Spirit, so we can carry out our mission anytime. In the Spirit we have received wisdom, guidance, and courage, though we may not be aware of each all the time. But these gifts of the Holy Spirit can help us discern what we should do and give us the power and persistence to do it in the face of discomfort or opposition. We are reborn in the Spirit, so happy birthday everyone.
Love, Peace, Joy,
Fr. Bob
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