05/16/2026
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples – and us – to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” It’s a tall order – bringing every nation under the reign of Christ. But we needn’t be intimidated. The Ascension offers us hope, for – as the Catechism reminds us – “Jesus Christ, having entered the sanctuary of heaven once and for all, intercedes constantly for us as the mediator who assures us of the permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit.” (667) Jesus ascended into heaven and now is constantly interceding for us before the Father, constantly pouring out his Spirit on us! In all our efforts to evangelize, we have that constant support and grace being sent our way to equip us for this work.
REFLECT:
Oftentimes, we think of the Ascension as Jesus leaving us after the end of his earthly ministry. But Jesus promises that he does not leave us, but rather, that he is always with us, “until the end of the age.” Spend some time this week reflecting on the ways that, having taken his seat at the right hand of the Father, Jesus is now ever-more present, pouring out his grace and his Spirit upon us at every moment.
