In today’s Gospel, we are given a mission to go into the world and proclaim the Gospel to every living creature (Mark 16:15-16). This is not a mission of preservation. This is not a mission of selection. It is a mission that extends to every living thing.
Do your actions speak God’s love and truth?
This is the question we should ask ourselves on this feast of the Ascension because Jesus did not leave us with a shrug and a happy wave, but with a burning passion to share everything we have learned.
Not only did he leave us with a mission, but he left us with a guide! In the First Reading, we hear mention of the Holy Spirit and in the Second Reading, we hear of the Holy Spirit once more. The last of the Trinity, to stay with you and me forever, come Pentecost Sunday.
Savior Jesus Christ,
You shared so much with us while on Earth,
And in ways that we could share with others for generations.
We thank you for laying down your life for our sins.
You forgave a debt we have yet to understand, in total mercy.
Today we celebrate your most glorious Ascension,
Showing us, again, God’s power and infinite love for us.
We also thank you, Jesus, and our Heavenly Father,
for sending us your Spirit to dwell with us in your physical absence.
Come, Holy Spirit, ignite the passion of our hearts,
May the embers of our heart burn for our mission.
Amen.
Veronica Alvarado is a born and raised Texan currently living in Pennsylvania. Since graduating from Texas A&M University, Veronica has published various Catholic articles in bulletins, newspapers, e-newsletters, and blogs. She continued sharing her faith after graduation as a web content strategist and digital project manager. Today, she continues this mission in her current role as communications director and project manager for Pentecost Today USA, a Catholic Charismatic Renewal organization in Pittsburgh.
Feature Image Credit: eberhard grossgasteiger, https://unsplash.com/photos/_uAVHAMjGYA
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