Christ spent the forty days before His Ascension preparing the apostles for their mission by teaching them about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Their mission was the same as ours; we are to help establish and extend Christ’s Kingdom: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). This was the work of the apostles and now it is our work to continue.
Do you doubt your ability to act as an “ambassador for Christ” as the apostles did (2 Corinthians 5:20)? There on the mountain before the Ascension, the apostles saw Jesus, but disbelief still lurked: “When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted” (Matthew 28:17). However, Jesus’s mission to build His kingdom was clear. The apostles were not left alone to accomplish their mission; they were given the power of the Holy Spirit: “When they had gathered together they asked him, Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel? He answered them…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1: 6-8).
The apostles received this power at Pentecost. We receive this power of the Holy Spirit through our baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist. The same Spirit that empowered the apostles empowers us today.
Jesus promised us that He would be with us always, even as He reigns in heaven: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). This is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, that with us always. He is Emmanuel—God with us—forever. The Spirt empowers and sends us into the world to be passionate witnesses to Christ. We are His ambassadors, bringing others to Him so they can encounter His love. Our power is in Christ, in whom all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). We can do all things with His Spirit dwelling within us (Philippians 4:13)
Mass Readings for the Ascension of the Lord – 5/24/2020
- Acts 1: 1-11
- Psalm 47:2-9
- Ephesians 1:17-23
- Matthew 28:16-20
Main image: public domain – Giotto di Bondone – Ascension of Christ
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