Disciples of All Nations

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

17 May 2026

 

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

 

Reflection

By: Carlo Alexis Malaluan

 

Today we stand with the disciples on a mountain in Galilee. Yet even here, the Gospel tells us something striking: “When they saw Him, they worshipped, but they doubted.” Faith and hesitation sit side by side. That detail alone makes this passage feel very human. Unknowingly to the apostles, that tension is where the mission begins. Jesus does not choose flawless people. He entrusts His mission to those still growing. And this is important for us also, today: mission is not reserved for the spiritually confident. It begins with those willing to listen, even with uncertainty.

There is something deeply reassuring in this. Jesus does not wait for perfect clarity before He speaks His commission. He does not delay His trust until every question is resolved. Instead, He steps directly into the middle of their mixed interior state—worship and doubt together—and still sends them. He comes closer and declares what has become known as the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus says, “Go.” It is not a suggestion to stay comfortable in familiar spaces. The Gospel always moves outward toward people we haven’t met, cultures we do not know, and places we might not naturally choose.

This also speaks directly to us. Many people imagine that they must first resolve every doubt before they can serve God, pray with others, or share their faith. But the Gospel shows the opposite. It is precisely in the midst of our unfinished understanding that Jesus calls us forward. What matters is not the absence of hesitation, but the decision to remain open—to worship even while still asking questions, to follow even while still learning.

Although the Gospel does not narrate the Ascension directly, this passage carries its meaning. As he ascends, Jesus is no longer bound to one place or one group. He is preparing to be present everywhere through His Spirit and through His disciples. In a sense, He is “ascending” not by leaving us, but by expanding His presence in the world through us. The movement is very important: From seeing Jesus in one place to carrying Jesus everywhere.

But at the heart of the passage, Jesus does not end with departure, but with presence. His promise transforms the meaning of absence: we are not working alone, we are not speaking into silence, and we are not left to improvise God’s mission. The Ascended Lord is not distant. He is always present, sustaining the Church from within. To hear this Gospel today is to recognize that the mission of Christ has not changed. Rather, it has only been handed on. We become His voice in places where silence has grown, His hands where healing is needed, and His witness where hope feels thin. And we do this not by our strength alone, but by the assurance that the One who sends us also accompanies us.

The disciples leave the mountain changed not because all their doubts are gone, but because they now know that doubt does not cancel a mission. They have witnessed the mystery of the Ascension of Christ going to the Father, which moves us to go to the farthest places of the earth to proclaim the Gospel. The Lord’s Ascension is not His absence. It is the beginning of His presence in us. And that is why His final words are not an ending, but a beginning: “I am with you always.”

Ascending Hope

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

01 June 2025

 

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 or Hebrews 9:24-28;10:19-23

Gospel: Luke 24:46-53

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

Most of us are familiar with how feeling hopeful feels like. Some of us may have also faced hopelessness once or a few times in our lives. But there can be a path between being hopeless and being hopeful where we may often find ourselves trying to find hope in things that do not really make sense. A path that after pain, suffering, and doubt, we go through restoration and find a renewed hope in ways we never expected.

Jesus, as ever, brings a powerful message of hope—a hope that go beyond boundaries and time. Just as He commissioned His apostles to be His witnesses, assuring them that the Holy Spirit would fill them with grace and power, we witness similar anointing in moments of renewal and leadership in our modern society. Just like the disciples' hope was renewed after the resurrection and the many times Jesus was with them until His ascension, we are reminded that hope is sustained not only by what is seen but also by what is promised. Saint Paul prays that we may have our hearts enlightened so that we may fully comprehend the hope to which we are called. A hope that is rooted in Christ's resurrection, ascension, and His exalted authority over us. But this also says something about our longing for meaning and assurance that, regardless of our circumstances, we will always be part of God's redemption.

After the 2022 elections, I honestly felt hopeless on how people choose our leaders. In the next years after, I have been on a path of picking up the broken pieces and trying to make sense of a blurred hope for our country. But recently, after the midterm elections, we have witnessed a renewal in leadership that many see as an indication of a better tomorrow. The re-election of Pasig City Mayor has reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, accountability, and progressive governance. His leadership has inspired confidence and a belief in change. Also, the proclamation of the new Mayor of Naga, can be seen as a symbol of communal hope and affirmation. This reminds us that genuine leadership, born out of integrity and service to the people, can uplift a society in profound ways. Just as Jesus promised that His followers would be gifted with power to witness His love and truth throughout the earth, today we see leaders who are dedicated to the public good. Triumphs like these also remind us that hope can be restored and that integrity in public service is both possible and necessary.

Seeing this, I came to realize that hope is never passive but will always be persistent. It requires each one of us to look beyond our doubts, and trust in the providence that works through leaders infused with righteousness. In some form of a promise or a vote for reform, hope fuels action. It invites us to be active participants in a movement that bridges the gap between eternal truth and everyday reality.

Hope is alive, ever-renewing, and electable. Just as the disciples were called to be witnesses to a kingdom that reigns from on high, today’s leaders remind us that the spirit of renewal is both a gift and a responsibility. The promise of the Father invites us to trust, to act, and to be the change that our communities so desperately need. In this light, every act of leadership and every empowered vote becomes an echo of that timeless hope, urging us all to look up with expectation, embrace the promise, and work together toward a future filled with divine possibility. As we continue to look up like the disciples during the ascension of Jesus, we ask God for the grace to cultivate this ascending hope in our daily lives.

Prayer

In You alone, Jesus, our hope.

In You alone, Christ,  our strength.

In You alone, Lord, we are justified.

In You alone, we are saved.

We pray that we may open our hearts

and let Your love fill the emptiness in our soul

until it overflows with joy that we are longing for.

Unto You we pour out our hearts,

You alone will save us with Your love and mercy.

AMEN.

Up!

    

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

12 May 2024

 

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Eph 1:17-23

Gospel: Mk 16:15-20

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle P. Balla

 

"As I closed my eyes in prayer, basking in His joy and overwhelming presence, my feet slowly left the ground, and with my hands stretched out to the sides, I float into the air, up towards the Father." These are thoughts that ofren come to my mind.

Is levitation truly possible when deeply immersed in God's presence? I can only dream of it at this point as we may never get to experience the ascension of Jesus nor the assumption of Mary. But I know that my spirit soars high, dancing in joy when my heart, mind and soul is fully attuned to God and in His blissful presence. I also believe that we can go to Heaven, in His grace and mercy with our life well-lived and spent to be of service to God and to one another. I pray that God will lift me up and will allow me to draw closer to Him, to call me to His side when my time on earth is done. And I pray the same thing for my loved ones, friends and colleagues.

I thank Jesus, our Savior, who ascended to heaven after conquering sin and death. He made it possible for us to be resurrected and be reunited with God, our Father. He, who until now, in this very moment, is helping all of us as we work on our individual missions as His disciples and friends.

Prayer

Father, we want to be with You when our journey in life is over. With Your guidance and grace, help us to successfully complete the work that You want us to do so that like Jesus, we can return to You in glory. I also pray for all mothers. Please continue to give us the strength, the courage, and the determination to draw closer to You and bring others, specially, our children and other members of our families, in Your presence as often as possible, with love, patience, and inspiration. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there!

 

Make Disciples

    

The Ascension of the Lord

21 May 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Eph 1:17-23

Gospel: Mt 28:16-20

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

“And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age”.

The disciples watched Jesus being lifted up to heaven and it must have been so sad and difficult for them to see Jesus depart from them. They must have felt abandoned again because it took a while before they left the place. But God promised that Jesus will return again in the same way that He ascended. But no one knows when. Meantime, the Lord promised to send His Helper the Holy Spirit. 

Are you ready for the second coming of the Lord? I’ve learned to live my life thinking each day as if it is my last and because of that I treasure every moment with my loved ones and all my relationships. I treasure my prayer time with the Lord because His presence gives me strength and I’ve learned to find God in all things. And I always ask the Lord to guide me that I may always do His will and share His love to everyone. 

I also share in His mission to make disciples and bring even one soul at a time back to Jesus. It is not always easy. Sometimes it requires getting out of my comfort zone. But the journey helps me grow to greater love and service to others. God is always with us so let’s spread His love to all the world and make disciples in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we rejoice today in Your ascension to the Father’s right hand. Thank You, Lord, for offering us a share in your heavenly life. By Your Spirit, help us to lay hold of our inheritance in You—the hope, the glory, and the power that are the right of every child of God.

Ascension Sunday

Solemnity of the Ascension of

Our Lord Jesus Christ

16 May 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 1:1-11

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading:  EPH 1:17-23

Gospel:  MK 16:15-20

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..." "These signs will accompany those who believe: they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Today is the Ascension Sunday. The Second Glorious Mystery in the Holy Rosary. The commemoration of the lifting up of our Lord Jesus Christ, Body and Soul into heaven.

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus is giving His disciples instructions "habilin"  to spread the gospel of LOVE to all "creatures", and to "baptize" those who believe. Again with a promise for those who will drive out demons, speak new languages... and heal the sick.

The Lord is telling  us that believing in Him means not just in words and prayers but in ACTIONS. True believers are known to DO what He has done. We are being commissioned as true believers to proclaim the Gospel of love to everyone, and every creature.

The disciples heeded the command of Jesus to "go into the world" as evidenced by the fact that the word of God spread out to the entire globe. They had faced so much trials and difficulties but they persisted. In fact all of them had been martyred (except John) for proclaiming that Jesus is God!

The task is not yet completed. There are still a lot of non-believers. Thus, as believers, we in turn are called to continue to spread the good news through words and actions in our own family, in our workplace, our community, in our own country, and the whole world!

Can it be done? With technology that we have, it definitely is possible. Bro. Bo, The Feast, Magis Deo Community, Joel Osteen, Brian Houston are just a few of personalities and communities that use the internet space to spread the good news. The Catholic Church up to Pope Francis maximize the use of the internet to bring the good news out to the whole world. In my own small way, I also do my best to proclaim the Kingdom of God by posting His Word in my Facebook account.

But I believe it is just half of what the Lord commissioned us to do. I believe God wants us to move to action. We must spread LOVE in our actions. As Jesus said, there must be accompanying signs of our belief. And with the pandemic that remained unchecked, the call to "heal the sick" to you and I as believers is an urgent call. May you and I act in whatever way possible to help those who are sick and dying.

 

Prayer

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for our continuing good health of mind, body, and spirit in the midst of this pandemic. Continue to empower us with your Holy Spirit that we may all continue to proclaim and spread Your LOVE through our words and actions to all the people we can reach out to. In Jesus' Name, we pray. AMEN.

 

 

 

Kumusta Ka Na?

Ascension of the Lord

24 May 2020

First reading                                                                        Acts 1:1-11
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Second reading                                                        Ephesians 1:17-23

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, 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 great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Gospel                                                                     Matthew 28:16-20

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection

By Gary Tulabut

As we were entering February this year, I remember posting “Feb Be Good” as my Facebook status. Of course, this has something to do with Taal Volcano erupting to start the year. In my introduction as a co-preacher at The Feast in San Fernando, I even mentioned this and of course asked the congregation how they were coping up.

Then as we entered March, I was on stage again asking the congregation how they were doing, because after the Taal eruption, we were then about to face something we are not yet ready to face - Covid-19 pandemic - that we are now experiencing. I even added the recent Kobe Bryant’s death just to paint a picture of what’s going on in the world.

But, of course, in both instances, what I delivered was a message of hope; that God is in control, and that our God is bigger than our problems.

Now, three months later, kumusta ka na? How are we doing so far? How many versions of the quarantine did we already have? Can we still do it? How long can we last?

Today, I still give the same message: GOD IS IN CONTROL. GOD IS BIGGER THAN ALL OUR PROBLEMS.

I am not an expert in advising what should or should not be done in our present situation. But here are my priorities: first priority is our health and survival. As a famous business giant was quoted in social media, “Success during these times is to be alive.” So that should be our priority. Let’s not get sick.  

Then we must have a plan, how to stretch our income. This is the time to stop buying non-essentials. Plan how to make money during these times also. Let us think of a one year situation. Or, might as well listen to experts on until when shall we be experiencing this.

Let us not forget to help others who are helpless. Then improve ourselves. I believe in prospering ourselves in times of crisis, so that when all these is over, we are on top of our game. 

And then surrender everything to the Lord. 

Do you have doubts that we will get through this?

In today's Gospel, Jesus was about to leave His disciples. It was also mentioned they doubted. Why did they doubt? What did they doubt?

Probably with all the things that has happened to them and to Jesus during those times they doubted if they could survive the trials that they would be facing. Now, Jesus was even leaving them. And Jesus even left them with great responsibility— to make disciples of all nations. 

But of course, let us not forget what Jesus promised. That He will be with them, and us, till the end. 

Do you have doubts? Let us hold on to His promises. He will be with us till the end.

Prayer

Lord, Jesus, forgive me if I sometimes doubt. May I always be reminded of Your promise that You will be with us till the end. Amen.

The Joy of Ascension

The Ascension of the Lord

02 June 2019

First reading                                                                        Acts 1:1-11
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Second reading                                                        Ephesians 1:17-23

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, 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 great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Gospel                                                                     Luke 24:46-53

Jesus said to his disciples, “So it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are wit

nesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

Reflection

By Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

Was there a time in your spiritual journey when you reflected on the phrase in the Creed that says, “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father”? Or are you just like me who recites it robotically? Good thing I was assigned to write the Sunday Gospel reflections for this month of June with the Ascension Sunday as the first topic to ponder on.

The Solemnity of the Ascension of our Lord comes forty days after Christ’s resurrection - Easter Sunday - and ten days before the birthday of the Catholic church - Pentecost Sunday. Being sandwiched between the two most celebrated solemnities, Ascension Sunday has oftentimes been taken for granted. This holy day should be filled with as much joy, hope, and peace as Easter and Pentecost.

The beautiful mystery of the Ascension gives us the official guarantee that Jesus Christ is God. He is the beloved Son of the Father, our brother who can intercede for our petitions and ask for forgiveness of our sins if we truly repent. It is the tangible evidence of His teaching that whatever we ask the Father through His name shall be granted. In His Ascension, we were given an eternal advocate to our Father, the great intercessor who understood our sufferings because He himself also experienced the same during His life on earth. The joy of having a true and concrete confidant in heaven is something worth celebrating in the mystery of Ascension.

Another reason to celebrate is that with Jesus Christ’s Ascension, we now have a forever companion. Jesus' absence on earth means that He is alive in our midst in a new way. He is no longer in a specific place in the world as He was before the Ascension. He is now in the lordship of God, present in every space and time, close to each one of us. We can now all say that Jesus is with us. He is there guiding and helping us to discover and live our faith.

Filled with the radiant joys of Ascension, we are also called into mission. As the Lord says in the Alleluia verse before today’s Gospel: “Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world.” So, whatever you do in school, at work, or in your household, do it with love and joy because Jesus is our forever companion to keep us motivated and lift us up when we are tired.

Prayer

Lord, may You always remind us of the joy that the Ascension brings so that we may continue to do things for Your great glory, with confidence in Your forever companionship and intercession. Amen.

The Lord at Work

The Ascension of the Lord 

13 May 2018

First reading                                                                      Acts 1: 1-11
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Second reading                                                        Ephesians 1:17-23

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, 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 great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Gospel                                                                     Mark 16: 15-20

Jesus said to his disciples, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.

Reflection

By Pietro S. Albano

As he lay dying, St. Dominic de Guzman told his confreres "Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and I shall help you then more effectively than during my life." Indeed, the religious congregation Dominic founded has been existing for the past 802 years, devoted to preaching and for the salvation of souls. For me, St Dominic proved true to his word. He continues to animate his spiritual sons and daughters up to this day.

St. Dominic's heavenly help mirrors the Lord's abiding presence in the Church. Having fulfilled the Father's will, Jesus returns to heaven and "sat down at the right hand of God." His Ascension though should not be interpreted as leaving His followers on their own. As our Gospel reading tells us, "...they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them ..." (Emphasis mine).  The continuous growth of the Church through the centuries attests to this. 

There are moments when it seems that our involvement in the parish or our Christian living in a secular society is fruitless, and we just want to give up. The apostles and other early followers of Christ were in the same boat. The Lord's Ascension is a wake up call: Jesus is with us in the middle of the storms that hit us. "If God is for us, who can be against us?", wrote St Paul (Romans 8:31). 

Jesus is working with us. All we have to do is to remain open and hopeful.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we entrust to You our life and vocation. Work in and through us, for the glory of the Father. Amen.

Forever and Ever

The Ascension of the Lord 28 May  2017

First reading                                                                                      Acts 1: 1-11

In my earlier work, Theophilus, I dealt with everything Jesus had done and taught from the beginning until the day he gave his instructions to the apostles he had chosen through the Holy Spirit, and was taken up to heaven. He had shown himself alive to them after his Passion by many demonstrations: for forty days he had continued to appear to them and tell them about the kingdom of God. When he had been at table with them, he had told them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for what the Father had promised. ‘It is’ he had said ‘what you have heard me speak about: John baptised with water but you, not many days from now, will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.’

  Now having met together, they asked him, ‘Lord, has the time come? Are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know times or dates that the Father has decided by his own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judaea and Samaria, and indeed to the ends of the earth.’

  As he said this he was lifted up while they looked on, and a cloud took him from their sight. They were still staring into the sky when suddenly two men in white were standing near them and they said, ‘Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking into the sky? Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, this same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen him go there.’

Responsorial Psalm                                                            Psalm 46(47):2-3,6-9                  

God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast.

Second reading                                                                         Ephesians 1:17-23 

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and perception of what is revealed, to bring you to full knowledge of him. May he enlighten the eyes of your mind so that you can see what hope his call holds for you, what rich glories he has promised the saints will inherit and how infinitely great is the power that he has exercised for us believers. This you can tell from the strength of his power at work in Christ, when he used it to raise him from the dead and to make him sit at his right hand, in heaven, far above every Sovereignty, Authority, Power, or Domination, or any other name that can be named not only in this age but also in the age to come. He has put all things under his feet and made him, as the ruler of everything, the head of the Church; which is his body, the fullness of him who fills the whole creation.

Gospel                                                                                           Matthew 28:16-20

The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’

Reflection

by Ms Fely Santiago

“And behold I am with you always until the end of the age”

Yes! Kay Lord may forever!

     It is so consoling and heartwarming to be assured by God that He will be with us until the end of time. He did not promise us a trouble-free life with no challenges along the way. But we are offered the peace in our hearts that Jesus longs to give us.

As we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord, we are commissioned go out to the world to share the good news of His unconditional love. Let us contemplate on this scene and ponder what the Ascension means to us today. It simultaneously celebrates loss and hope – the loss of Jesus on earthand the hope that He remains with us forever.

      This is so relevant on this season of Graduation when many graduates experience a bittersweet combination of moving on from the beloved familiar to a new chapter of their lives. And just like what the disciples experience, we are scared of facing the unknown. What would be life after graduation? Will I find a job immediately? Will I get into a good company? What if after 1 year I still could not find a job? What will happen to me? Doubts may start to sink in. However, let us hold on to the promise of Jesus that “I am with you always, until the end of age”. Let us put our trust that Jesus will remain with us no matter where life takes us. And rest assured that He has the best plans for us. The best is yet to come!

        In some days we may really feel anything but peace in our hearts. We need to stay in faith. That is the time to pause and open our hands and hearts to our Lord. Just a simple physical act of opening our hands can send a signal to our hearts that the Lord is in charge and there is no reason to be afraid. We can stop thinking and start feeling the love that Jesus has for us.

        We can start each day as soon as we wake up,  to be aware of the sacredness of the day ahead of us and ask for peace, courage, guidance and anointing of the Lord. On our way to work or while we take care of our family, cooking or running errands, we can stop for the briefest moment and ask again: “Lord help me to feel how much You love me and that You will never leave me. Help me to accept and carry that love and carry it to all those You send into my life today.”

         At the end of each day, we can pause again at the side of our bed, reflect for a moment and offer thanks for the times when we felt in our hearts the love of Jesus. And we can ask that tomorrow we can feel the Lord’s own love and compassion for us – and beg that we can pass that along so others may see Jesus in us and experience His love.

Prayer

Dear Jesus. You may not be physically with us but we know You are always there to love us no matter what! That is all I need. Help me to be Your light to others that they will see the good things You do and praise Your Father in heaven! May Your light in each of us continue to shine in our lives. In Your mighty name we pray. Amen.

Jesus Still With Us

The Ascension of the Lord 08 May 2016  

First reading
Acts 1:1-11

In my earlier work, Theophilus, I dealt with everything Jesus had done and taught from the beginning until the day he gave his instructions to the apostles he had chosen through the Holy Spirit, and was taken up to heaven. He had shown himself alive to them after his Passion by many demonstrations: for forty days he had continued to appear to them and tell them about the kingdom of God. When he had been at table with them, he had told them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for what the Father had promised. ‘It is’ he had said ‘what you have heard me speak about: John baptised with water but you, not many days from now, will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.’

  Now having met together, they asked him, ‘Lord, has the time come? Are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know times or dates that the Father has decided by his own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judaea and Samaria, and indeed to the ends of the earth.’

  As he said this he was lifted up while they looked on, and a cloud took him from their sight. They were still staring into the sky when suddenly two men in white were standing near them and they said, ‘Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking into the sky? Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, this same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen him go there.’

 

 

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 46:2-3,6-9

Second reading
Ephesians 1:17-23

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and perception of what is revealed, to bring you to full knowledge of him. May he enlighten the eyes of your mind so that you can see what hope his call holds for you, what rich glories he has promised the saints will inherit and how infinitely great is the power that he has exercised for us believers. This you can tell from the strength of his power at work in Christ, when he used it to raise him from the dead and to make him sit at his right hand, in heaven, far above every Sovereignty, Authority, Power, or Domination, or any other name that can be named not only in this age but also in the age to come. He has put all things under his feet and made him, as the ruler of everything, the head of the Church; which is his body, the fullness of him who fills the whole creation.   

Gospel	Luke 24:46-53

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘You see how it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this.

  ‘And now I am sending down to you what the Father has promised. Stay in the city then, until you are clothed with the power from on high.’

  Then he took them out as far as the outskirts of Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. Now as he blessed them, he withdrew from them and was carried up to heaven. They worshipped him and then went back to Jerusalem full of joy; and they were continually in the Temple praising God.

  Reflection
By Benj Santiago  

“And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with the power from on high."

 

Today is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord Jesus! In the Act of Apostles and Gospel of Luke readings for this Sunday, both described how the Lord was raised up into heaven. This is one of the great beliefs that we Catholics have in our Creed. Not all religion in the world today has this belief. Proof of this is that the spot by which the Lord was believed to be raised up to heaven has no incredible proof. In its place a mosque is built on that spot and there are no signs or posts that says on this site Jesus was gloriously lifted up  to heaven. I know this first hand when we visited the place many years back.

 

The proof cannot be found in the place but in the hearts of the Apostles and the disciples and the generations upon generation of believers! Why? Because of the promise Jesus left before He was taken up to heaven. The promise that the Father wil send the "power on high". This promise will be commemorated on Pentecost Sunday next week! The Holy Spirit which is the "Power On High" came down to the disciples and believers about 2000 years ago but continue to happen to this date to all of us who believe that indeed Jesus was taken up into heaven.

Jesus actually did not leave us when He was taken up to heaven. He is with us till the end of time through the Holy Spirit. Let us then live in Christ's presence as we face life, as we make decisions such as the national and local elections in our country on May 9, as we share His message of mercy to others especially to those who don't know Him.

  Prayer  

Father God, thank You for sending us your Son Jesus Christ our Lord who, after fulfilling Your will, has ascended into heaven. May all of us who believe through the power of the Holy Spirit be able to live a life worthy to be with You when our life ends here on earth. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.