The Ascension of the Lord

This Sunday is the feast of the Ascension of the Lord.

You may like to take a moment to reflect on how the Holy Spirit is a part of your life, and the need, especially in these challenging times to be open to ask God for His help.

Gospel Reading (Matthew 28:16-20)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commandments I gave to you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.”

The Gospel of the Lord

These were ordinary people, like most of us, and they would have a big job to do. Jesus told them to go out into the whole world and tell everyone about God. They were also to baptise people in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus knew that they were not ready to do that, and so he promised them that he would be with them always. Do you think that would have encouraged the disciples, or confused them even more? God knew they needed help so, a little later, the Holy Spirit came to their aid.

Jesus knows that what he started – preaching about the Kingdom, which led to his death, then his resurrection and finally his ascension into heaven – will be continued by the disciples. He knows that they are going to need a lot of help. He knows that the Holy Spirit will come to them and they will be strong.

The Holy Spirit comes to us too. We received the Holy Spirit when we were baptised. The Spirit is always with us, and can help us be strong and to be good. All we have to do is be open and ask for God’s help.