Jesus gives his authority to the Twelve and sends them to carry out his example of preaching, teaching, healing, and driving out evil…all without cost.
Andrew’s response to the call of Christ reveals a cycle whereby the Good News has been preached to our very day. May it continue with our response to the Lord as well!
The Transfiguration of the Lord reveals to Peter, James, and John the heavenly glory of Christ, eventually inspiring them after Pentecost to proclaim the Good News with conviction and power.
Here are some of the themes that we discover in the Mass readings for the Ascension of the Lord.
1st Reading – Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11
Beginning where the Gospel of Luke ended, Acts describes how Jesus was present to the disciples for forty days after his resurrection.
Promising the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus commands the disciples to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth as he is lifted up into heaven.
Psalm – 47:2-3,6-9
“God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.”
The people rejoice and sing as God rules over all the nations from his throne in heaven.
2nd Reading – Ephesians 1:17-23
We seek the Spirit of wisdom and enlightenment to understand all that God has revealed through Jesus Christ.
From the time of his earthly ministry, through his death, resurrection and ascension, all power has been given to Christ over all of creation.
2nd Reading – Ephesians 4:1-13 (2nd Option)
We are urged to live with humility, gentleness, patience, peace, and love as we strive to unite in one body and one Spirit
There are many different gifts and callings, and all are necessary to work together to build up the body of Christ.
Gospel – Mark 16:15-20
The risen Lord commands his disciples to go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature, and they will be accompanied by many signs of power.
The Lord then ascends into heaven as the disciples go forth and carry out their commission.
On this feast of the apostles Philip and James, we recognize that the Lord continues to call us by name, empower us with grace, and send us out in the context of our daily lives to proclaim Good News to the people we meet.
The leaders and scribes are powerless to respond to the healing miracle, as the boldness of Peter and John reveals their conviction to follow Jesus Christ in the face of persecution.
The Risen Lord says “do not be afraid” to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, reminding us to imitate the example of Peter and preach the Good News when the opportunity arises.
The disciples encounter the empty tomb and realize that Christ has been raised from the dead, inviting us to embrace the overwhelming joy of the Good News by offering our lives for the glory of God.
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