The Ascension of The Lord

Today we celebrate Christ’s ascension into Heaven and his return to the right hand of the Father. A week from now, we will commemorate the birth of the Church at Pentecost. For over six weeks now, we have observed the Easter Season and reflected on the glory of the Risen Christ. In the Gospel chosen specifically for today’s feast (Mark 16:15-20), Jesus gives his Great Commission to the disciples: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

While the Scriptures don’t indicate how far the Apostles travelled (other than Peter and Paul), tradition has several of them getting as far as modern Russia, India, northern Africa, and Asia Minor. Regardless of where they did and did not go, they spent the rest of their lives fulfilling Jesus’ final mission to go and baptize all who accepted him as the Risen One. It is believed that all but John suffered a martyr’s death – the ultimate witness of faith (remember that the word “martyr” comes from the word meaning “witness”). Not a bad track record for a bunch of guys who came across as pretty clueless a lot of the time during the three years that they traveled with Jesus. With a great deal of patience, Jesus molded them into powerful witnesses of all they had seen and heard.

By virtue of our Baptism, we, too, have been given the same Great Commission to witness our faith in the Risen Christ. We should not be bashful about sharing our faith with anyone who might approach us about what it means to follow Jesus. We are guided by the gifts of the Holy Spirit that have been sealed upon our hearts. God’s wisdom and strength are our wisdom and strength, for we do not do this on our own but always in the name of Jesus. No one is asking us to stand on a soapbox at the corner of Central and San Mateo proclaiming the Gospel of our salvation in Christ – although some do, in fact, do this! Rather, it is in going about our daily routine with the spiritual awareness that Jesus goes with us into every moment, every encounter, of our day, if invited to do so.

With Jesus at our side, all things are possible. I do not recall the source of the following question, but someone once asked: “If being Christian were a crime, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”

Not everyone we meet will be receptive; not every encounter will have a positive outcome. But as St. Teresa of Calcutta is reported to have said, “God is not calling us to be successful; God is calling us to be faithful.” The dismissal at the end of Mass is purposeful. We are blessed and we are sent. The word “apostle” comes from the Greek word meaning “one who is sent.” We are sent to spread the Good News that the Risen Lord, who ascended to the Father, walks with us and is anxious to walk with anyone who invites him into their life.