Our Ascension mission
The story is told about a wife who sternly told her husband who was outside, watering the plants: “After you water the plants, come inside. I want to talk to you about something I saw on your cell phone.” According to the story, it has been four days already, and the husband is still outside, watering the plants.
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Today is Ascension Sunday. In today’s Gospel (Luke 24:46-53), our Lord Jesus Christ was taken up to heaven, leaving behind to His disciples the mandate to preach the Good News to all nations. They were, so to speak, to continue “watering the plants.”
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Part of our Ascension mandate is that of lifting up people. How far easier it is to put down people. Let us not get tired of cheering up, affirming, and encouraging people we encounter. So, are you a lifter, or a downer? It’s your choice. It’s your call.
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Let us remember and pray for our missionaries who have left home, country, and family for the sake of the Gospel. Many of them experience deprivation, loneliness, and even persecution. May the Lord be with them, and empower them to go on and persevere in their mission. Please remember that all of us are missionaries wherever we are, with a Master and with a mission.
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We pray for the grace to “ascend” and rise above problems and obstacles we encounter in our journey. Let us not be downcast nor discouraged. Let us raise our heads up high because our Lord has promised that He is always with us, and He will not leave us orphans.
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Thought for the journey: “Worrying causes you to stress about the problem you may never have in the first place. Stop thinking of the worst. God has already worked it out.”
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Today is also World Communications Day. Along with the Ascension is the mission to “go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” This mission is now carried out, far and wide, through the media and social communications. The teachings of Christ are now available in print, on radio and television, and in social networks. But that which can promote justice, peace, and understanding can also be used to malign, destroy, and spread lies.
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Apart from world communication, there is a lot of communicating to be done at the personal level. A lot of problems and issues can be resolved, a lot of things can be clarified, if we are open to dialogue. All this can happen if we take the time and effort to open up and reach out to each other. By all means, let’s communicate. By every means, let’s communicate! Yes, let’s reach out!
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How do we prepare for our mission and live out our calling while still alive? We often hear “RIP” when someone dies—”Rest In Peace.” But what if we live out “RIP” now?
R – Reparation. We’ve all made mistakes. We’ve hurt others and offended God. Now is the time to repair what we can. Ask forgiveness. Heal broken relationships—while there’s still time.
I – Intercession. Pray, pray, pray. Pray for loved ones, the sick, the Church, and the world. Prayer isn’t our last resort—it’s our first and best weapon.
P – Purification. Let go of sinful habits and toxic attitudes. Ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse your heart and mind. A missionary can’t carry spiritual baggage.
If we live out RIP today, we’ll truly “Rest In Peace” when our time comes. But if we ignore this, the RIP on our tombstone might mean: Restless In Purgatory—or worse, Rotting In the Pit of hell.
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The Ascension was a goodbye. It was a glorious moment, but it was also a sorrowful moment. We all have our painful and sorrowful moments. Let us take courage in what our Lord said: “Truly I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” (John 16:20)
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Sharing with you this meaningful prayer: “Lord, teach me to be patient with my trials. Let me not settle with easy answers and quick results, but wait for the fruits that come from trusting in You.” Amen.
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A moment with the Lord:
Lord, help us to continue our Ascension mission to spread the Good News to all creation. Amen.
