On May 21, we celebrated the Ascension of the Lord. Looking at the readings it might be more appropriately called the departure of the risen Jesus from his followers. In the first reading Jesus ascends into heaven while in the Gospel of Mathew he just doesn’t appear anymore. Many commentators try to explain why Jesus had to depart from his followers. For me the best explanation is that his message had resonated with a growing number of people but was focused on him personally. For his message to spread he would have to leave the mission to his disciples to spread his message throughout the world. This mission was for those present at the time and those throughout history which includes each of us. He would transfer his work to the disciples through the Spirit.
In the Gospel he gives what is called the great commission: “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.” The key points are to go to all nations, baptize them and teach them.
In the first reading Luke says Jesus was speaking about the kingdom of God. For Jesus this kingdom was not a territory or a political realm, it is the rule of God over all human hearts, this is the focus of his ministry. He then tells them they will receive the power of the Holy Spirit and they will become witnesses in Jerusalem and throughout Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Jesus encourages them to depart from Jerusalem after they receive the Holy Spirit.
The second reading is a wonderful prayer asking the God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give the disciples, indeed, all of us: “…a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened…” This prayer is for gifts essential for insight and understanding.
Although Jesus was speaking to his disciples these instructions are also meant for us as well. Clearly when we are armed with wisdom and knowledge of him and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, we can each carry out the commission Jesus gave to all of us to go and make disciples of all nations.
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