Acts 1:1-11/Ps. 46:2-3,6-7/Eph. 1:17-23/Mt. 28:16-20

The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles mentions of the Lord’s promise of sending the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen the disciples in the missionary work (to preach the Good News and baptize those who accept the message) entrusted to them by the Lord.

Everything also happened as how the Lord had promised the disciples, with the Holy Spirit coming down upon the Apostles and the other disciples, heralding the birth of the Church, and encouraging them all to go forth and proclaim the Good News, spreading the words of the Gospel of salvation to more and more people who also come to believe in the Lord Jesus and His truth.

By Virtue of our Baptism and Confirmation the Lord has sent us the Holy Spirit to guide us and to strengthen us, to encourage and empower us, just as the Holy Spirit encouraged the Apostles and the disciples of the Lord. This emphasizes the importance of our call to reaching out beyond our own community to share the message of Jesus Christ. This call often requires stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and engaging with people who may have different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, etc.

Our Lord in the Gospel promises to be with his disciples always, even to the end of the age, indicating that his presence will be with them through the Holy Spirit. Loss and sorrow do not have the last word. We believe in a God who through Jesus is always at work bringing new life out of death, turning sorrow to joy.

We do not have to compare or worry, but instead let the Holy Spirit help and lead us down the path, and entrust ourselves to God who will show us how we can glorify Him by our lives.

Brethren, on this great Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, let us all remind ourselves that we have an important mission in our lives thus by doing our best in whatever we do in life, taking the opportunities we have received and the places that we have been called to, each one of us ought to do our best to proclaim the Good News to those around us both within and outside the Church, by our exemplary and faithful life. However, let’s note that, the Holy Spirit is thus a vital component of this Great Commission and evangelism.  

Rosary Prayer: Luminous Mysteries

Mass Intentions: Praying for healing for all Mothers especially Theresa Aparece – Tobilla, Estrella Cruz, the mother, of Mary Chidokwe and all the sick that they may receive the grace of speedy recovery from the Hand of God.