Saint Callistus

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11
2nd Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23

Gospel: Luke 24:46-53

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Today is the Solemnity of Jesus’ Ascension into heaven. In today's Gospel, our Lord Jesus Christ was taken up to heaven, leaving behind to His disciples the mandate to preach the Good News to all nations. He told His disciples to do again what He had done. They were to continue the mission He had started and carry out the vision He had shown and shared with them.

We, too, shared in this vision and mission by virtue of the Baptism we received. But, what have we done, what are we doing, to help spread the good news? Are we sharing God's message of love and hope? Are we doing some legwork for God, or is our life all about I, me, myself, my agenda?

Life without a mission: Is this the life we are living? Do we see life as a vacation, or an endless time for accumulation? Such a life is empty, vain and shallow. What are we doing the rest of our life? More achievements? More wealth? More fame? More recognition? More power? Please remember that what matters most in the end is that we lived our lives as givers, not as takers. What matters most is the goodness, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, love etc. that we shared or give to people.

Lord, help us to follow You, and try to do again somehow what You have done for us so we can carry out our mission you have entrusted to us. Amen.

Fr. Dante