The Church officially celebrates the feast of the Ascension of the Lord this Thursday, May 21st. (In the U.S., the Eucharistic liturgies for the feast of the Ascension are moved to the Sunday following the official date of the feast.) On this day, we reflect on the Scriptures from the gospels of Mark 16:19-20 and Luke 24:50-53 and Acts of the Apostles 1:6-12. We also remember Jesus' instructions and promises to his disciples, and to us:
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8);
"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" (Matthew 28:19-20).
Based on these instructions from Jesus, we can reflect on the importance of parenting. Parents are responsible for baptizing their children and teaching them to observe all of Jesus' commandments. And they need the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish these tasks! What an amazing and wonderful gift and ministry!
On this feast of the Ascension of the Lord, take time to recall how you have experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. How has the Holy Spirit guided you in telling others, through your words and your actions, about Jesus Christ?
