The Ascension of the Lord, Year A
Today’s readings all talk about the Ascension of our Lord which is the Solemnity we celebrate today. In the First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles Chapel 1, verse 1 to 11, we are informed of all Christ has done for us, and how He ascended into heaven to seat at the right hand of His Father, in front of His apostles and disciples. Saint Paul in his Letter to the Ephesians, Chapter 1, verse 17 to 23, prays for them, while reminding them of all Christ has done for them, and how is seated at the right hand of His Father in heaven with authority, power and might. Then in our gospel reading from the Gospel of Saint Matthew Chapter 28, verse 16 to 29, Jesus admonishes His disciples before ascending into heaven, reminding them of who they are and what they are called to do in the world.
All these readings emphasize what Jesus has done for us and His ascension into heaven, to seat at the right hand of His Father in majesty. But Jesus reminds us in the gospel reading of who we are, and what He has called us to do for Him. Jesus said: “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Thus with these words, Jesus reminds us that we are His disciples, as He states that “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” so He has given us His power as His children, and is always with us until the end of the age.” He goes on to remind us of our duty as His disciples, by commanding us to “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.”
So as you are reminded today of God’s love for you in giving you His graces and power through Jesus Christ His Son, what are you doing to reciprocate such great act of love? Do you even recognize the power God has given you as his daughter or son, to praise, glorify, show and proclaim Him in the world? Are you paying attention to who you are, a disciple of Christ? And are you living out your duty as a disciple of Christ by making disciples of all nations, and teaching them to observe all that He has taught us?
My dear brothers and sisters, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ today, let us work hard in our spiritual lives, to become better children of God, knowing that He has truly blessed us, and is always with us until the end of the age. Then, let us go out and make disciples of all nations, by teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded us to do.
