25 May
Thu
Ascension of the Lord
Acts 1:1-11
Ps. 47(46):2-3,6-7,8-9
Eph. 1:17-23
Mt. 28:16-20
(Ps Wk II)
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It will be more spiritually enlightening today if we read the Gospel reading first, then the reading from the Acts and then the reading from the letter to the Ephesians. Mt 28: 16-20 is often called "The Great Commission" Jesus clearly states what is expected of us as Christians. Narrowly interpreted it would call us to make Christians of those who do not believe in Christ. Broadly interpreted it means to spread the Good News, making disciples of as many as we can. In the Acts, the disciples seem to have understood this mission commandment as a task to be accomplished individually. However, this is not a destination to be reached but a journey to be embarked upon. Our task is to run the race in the best possible manner and then hand the task over the baton to another person.

The fruit of the work of evangelization lies far beyond the individual efforts. We are called to be the leaven that ferments the dough as long as it exists. We cannot gauge the fruit of our efforts, for, as the Letter to the Ephesians (cf. 1:20) assures us, the fruit is the result of God's power at work in Christ Jesus.



Lord, give us the patience to carry forward the mission that You began and to discern Your action in every moment of our life.


DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That Christians in Africa, in imitation of the Merciful Jesus, may give prophetic witness to reconciliation, justice, and peace.
Elaboration

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