We celebrate Jesus risen from the dead on Easter Sunday. So why do we celebrate the Ascenion today?

After the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples: he spoke with them, ate with them, taught them and encouraged them. He did this for forty days (Acts 1:3). So the Ascension marks an ending: the completion of this period when the disciples interacted in a special way with the Risen Lord.

The Ascension is also a beginning. Jesus ascends into heaven and leaves the disciples. Yet he first gives them a mission: go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation (Mk. 16:15). Today, they have begun a period of spreading news of the life of Jesus and the love of God.

Jesus also sends each of us on his mission. Invite people to know and feel God's love.

Yet, it is difficult. People may not understand us. People may even reject us. So to prepare, like the disciples, we too need to first spend time with Jesus in a personal way. We need to not just know, but feel his love for us.

Has Jesus ever spoken to me? If so, can I recall this moment of blessing? Can I linger in it with Jesus?