May 16 - Feast of the Ascension

(Acts 1:1 -11; Eph 1:17–23; Mk 16:15–20)

In the 40 days after the Resurrection, none of the Gospels says much about what Jesus actually said to the disciples. Luke says He “opened their minds,” while John says He “performed many wonders.” All four Gospels are clear, though, that Jesus tells them they are to go out and teach all nations. The disciples are still not sure what all this means, though. In the first reading this week, they are eagerly asking Jesus what comes next – “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” In response, Jesus tells them to wait and pray, and that they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Imagine their surprise when He is lifted from their sight! Now it sinks in – although Jesus has been telling them that they will be charged with spreading the Gospel; He will not physically be there with them. But they have His promise that He will not abandon them – that somehow, they will be given the power to do this work, even to perform signs and wonders to support their claims. Christ has given them a tough and important job, but He will give them the ability to see it through.