The Word Source: Mark 16.15-20
15 Jesus said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.
17 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages.
18 They will pick up serpents [with their hands], and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.
20 But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.
A REFLECTION
There are many ways to reflect on this feast of our Lord’s Ascension. As you may be aware, this Ascension Sunday Gospel contains in the first section what is called the “Great Commission.” – Go out to all the world and tell the good news –
The other day, on the feast of St. Matthias, the Acts of the Apostles noted that whoever will replace Judas must have been with the disciples of Jesus from the very beginning. For they were the witnesses of all that he said and did and this will be the “content” of the Good News.
This made me reflect –
I have been baptized, born again in Jesus Christ. I have been confirmed, having received the gift of the Holy Spirit. I have read and reflected on the Gospels – I have heard and seen what Jesus said and did – I too, am a witness! – – I too am a witness!
To me, as to all who have been baptized and have received the Holy Spirit, is given the task – Proclaim the Good News – Live out the Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ. Live out his commandment at the Last Supper – “love one another – as I have loved you.”
St. Francis of Assisi (paraphrased) – Give testimony by what you do: and if necessary, use words St. Ignatius of Loyola: Love is shown by what we do, not just by what we say.
MY PRAYER
Our prayer today is in three parts – Thanksgiving, Repentance, Rededication – Pray these slowly and repeat often in quiet humble prayer.
THANKSGIVING
Thank You Father that you have brought me to know and love Jesus your Son – the witness and testimony of the Apostles and Evangelist –
Thank You for his wonderful teaching and healing and forgiveness –
And thank you for bringing me into the reality of Jesus through the gift of the witness of many persons in my life.
REPENTANCE
I come humbly, as a prodigal child. To ask forgiveness for those times I have not been faithful to the Way of Jesus – evil thoughts, harsh and untrue words, selfish actions – especially that hurt others also. Father, if I have not forgiven others as I desire that you forgive me – and Father, forgive me if I have not borne true witness and testimony to your holy name.
REDEDICATION
On this occasion of the Ascension of your Son Jesus, I desire to be renewed as a witness to the way of Jesus Christ – I desire to give testimony to his love by what I say and do – love others by what I say and do – Accept my offering – Take and Receive, oh Lord . , ,
