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Deacon’s Beacon: Ascension of the Lord

The Ascension of the Lord

Our readings focus, to a large degree, on the gospels. The word “gospel” means “good news.”  The good news is the message of Jesus.  Jesus calls the disciples – and us to bring the gospel to all in our life.

Jesus returns to the Father

Since His resurrection on Easter until the Ascension, Jesus has been giving final guidance to His disciples.  Now, He is returning to His Father.  We wonder – why did Jesus leave them? Jesus, in human form, was limited by space and time.  The Ascension was to allow His disciples to minister in His name – with power grace, presence and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  He gives the disciples the opportunity to show their love of God; and then share that with all people through the centuries.

“Preparing for the Journey”

Jesus leaves them today; the descent of the Holy Spirit is celebrated next Sunday.  The disciples will spend this interim praying together and encouraging each other.  They do not know where they will be going – but they will know why.

“Time for Action”

In today’s First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, after Jesus ascends to the Father, two “men” (messengers of God) stood by the apostles and said, “why do you stand looking into the sky?”  It was time for action!  It was time for the disciples to pray and to be ready for the Holy Spirit.

Jesus does not really leave them.  He says that He will be with them until the end of time.  The Spirit of God will soon descend on them to guide and strengthen them in their future role, bringing Jesus’ message to all people.  The disciples, however, must be open to receive the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit of God will be with not only those original disciples, but with all who follow Jesus’ teachings and example.

“We can’t give what we don’t have.”

Just as the disciples prepared for their spiritual journey, we need to do the same.  Of course our spiritual journey always starts with the Eucharist.  Our celebration does not end at the Mass.  In a sense, that’s where our calling begins.

Our Lady of the Wayside offers many opportunities for us to grow in our faith – Bible Study; participating in the CFM (Christian Family Movement); and other ministries listed in the bulletin and “Wayside Wednesday”.

“Preach the gospel always, use words when necessary.”

Those words of St. Francis remind us that it’s not only preaching by word but also by the way we live our life – our example we give to others – such as the example parents give to children; the respect children give to parents and their elders; our outreach to the poor and oppressed and the way we treat those in need.

We may be concerned by the challenge, but we need to remember that we also receive power and strength from the Holy Spirit,

Jesus calls us to spread the gospel to everyone. At the end of every Mass we are sent to bring Jesus to the world.  The deacon or priest will say “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.”

We glorify God by the way we live our life.