GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: THURSDAY, 25TH MAY 2017
SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
FIRST READING: Acts 1:1-11
PSALM: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9
SECOND READING: Ephesians 1: 17-23
GOSPEL: Matthew 28:16-20
THEME: POWER FROM ON HIGH
As the apostles gazed into the sky, watching Jesus ascend, one wonders what their feelings were and what was going on in their minds. Were they in a state of ecstasy, with all the sweet feelings that go with it or they were in a state of bereavement seeing a loved one depart from them? Whatever their feelings and thoughts were, the rhetorical question of the two men dressed in white was the alarm bell to bring them back to reality: “Why are you looking into the sky?”
The ascension of Jesus into heaven does not mark the end of his ministry on earth. Rather, it ushers us forth into a new phase of this one ministry to save. The task of this new phase is to be carried out by his followers, having been equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit. Hence, just before ascending into heaven, Jesus, in our Gospel text, says to his disciples, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…”
The divine power which Jesus speaks of is so great that the author of our Second Reading writes, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power” (Eph 1:18-19).
Jesus ascended with power into heaven so that we can move with power on earth. Unfortunately, many Christians walk on the face of the earth powerlessly, ignorant of the power that is available to them in Christ.
Like the disciples of Jesus, the time has come for us to “wait in the city”, praying until we are clothed with power from on high. Now is the time to enter our “Upper Room” and for the next nine consecutive days pray until we are filled with the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:12-14).
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, fill us anew with the power of the Holy Spirit as we wait upon you and send us forth clothed with your divine presence to proclaim to all nations the Good News of salvation.
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).