Sunday, May 29, 2022 | By Rev. Michael P. Hanifin
On this Feast of the Ascension, we celebrate Christ’s triumphant return to the Father after perfectly accomplishing His mission on earth. But we can also view this Feast as a celebration of the “launch day” of our commissioning as Christ’s disciples.
Today’s Gospel draws our attention to the clear instructions that Jesus gave His disciples (and to us) just before ascending to the Father: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”
Jesus and the Church invites us, as part of a Christian way of life, to make use of our time, talent, and treasure to build up the Kingdom of God here on earth. Using our God-given gifts to make God’s presence felt on earth, helps us to live in such a way that our very lives speak as a witness of the Good News of the Gospel. While we take time to reflect and renew our commitments in these three areas (Time, Talent, and Treasure) annually as a parish family, it is of great benefit to take some time individually throughout the year to take stock of the commitments we have made — looking at both our strengths and our need for continued growth in each area.
On this Feast of our “launch day,” take some time to celebrate your victories as Christ’s disciples and renew your commitment to remain faithful to Him and the unique mission of building his Kingdom and making his presence evident today that He has entrusted to each of us!