GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS

REV FR EKESHIRI JUDE EMEKA

The departure of a beloved relation often leaves a mark for pain and loneliness. But this time, Jesus’s departure was a preparation for the mission ahead and to send the Holy spirit to us.

Beloved, today we celebrate a very important moment in the life of the Church, the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven. This is the story of our salvation, a moment Jesus have been preparing His disciples for. Jesus promised not to leave them empty handed, but, to send another advocate, the Holy Spirit for the mission ahead. This event not only marks the conclusion of Jesus’s earthly ministry but also sends us forth with a mission and a promise.

In the first reading, we hear how Jesus, after His resurrection, have been showing Himself to His disciples, spent time with them and teaching them about the Kingdom of God. Furthermore, He promised them the Holy Spirit, one who will continue with them from where He had stopped from.

Then in their presence, He ascends to heaven through the cloud. He promised again to return through the angels who appeared to His disciples,reminding the disciples that Jesus will come again in the same way. This moment of departure is not about loss but about transition as Jesus completes His earthly mission as He goes back to the Father (Acts 1:1-11)

Thus, we are reminded that, Jesus is not limited by time or space. He now reigns in glory, exalted as Lord over all creation. This assures us that our faith rests not on mere human effort, but by grace and love from God.

In the gospelwe hear Jesus’ charge to His disciples to go out and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all He commanded (Matthew 28:16-20). This is the Great Commissioning. The mission Jesus commanded them to do, He still commands us to undertake today. Jesus did not stop there, He concludes with a beautiful promise, saying “I am with you always, to the end of time.” Though He ascend to heaven, He continues to remains present with us through the Holy Spirit.

However, Jesus physically ascended and is no longer visibly present, His promise that He will be with us always gives us courage and hope. Through the Holy Spirit, He guides, strengthens, and sustains us.

The Ascension points us forward to the fulfilment of God’s kingdom, to reign forever and with us. Thus, Weno longer live as people, that are afraid but now as a people of hope, awaiting His glorious return.

As we celebrate Ascension Thursday, let us recommit ourselves to the mission Jesus has given. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are called to witness to the Gospel by word and example. Peace be with you.