"Make Disciples of All Nations" ~ by Ronnie Archer

Today, the church celebrates the entry of Christ into Heaven. The readings this Sunday emphasize receiving a Spirit of wisdom and revelation, resulting in knowledge and witnessing for Jesus.

During Jesus' time on earth, He went about His daily life, teaching and preaching about the love and the Kingdom of God. The time had come for Him to ascend into heaven in all of His human glory. This action represents hope for all of us who are still in this world.

When Jesus ascended, He opened the way to the Father for all who believe, love Him, and follow His teachings. Christ loves the Church, and He is with us in the Church, the Body of Christ, which is the visible sign of Jesus. He trusts us with the responsibility to carry out His mission on earth to love and care for each other.

To do what Christ commands us to do takes the strength of Jesus. Without His strength, nothing will happen. We have to experience Jesus to have the Light in our lives to be witnesses for Him and to help build up the Kingdom of God.

Help us Father, daily... to be open to the Holy Spirit so that we will experience the strength and love of Jesus; to be a reflection of Him, so that we will be able to "go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, beholding, that You are with us always, until the end of time."

~ Feast of the Ascension: Sunday, May 4, 2008 ~

~ Picture: Oil on canvas by John Singleton Copley ~