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June 2, 2019The celebration of the Ascension of The Lord is always a time to renew once more a desire in our hearts to be both lifted up into the life of the Trinity and to resolve ourselves to following the mandate of Jesus, namely to go and “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
His mission to the apostles to “make disciples” extends to us as well. The Lord is relying upon your and my efforts to witness to what God has done in our lives. This might be by our words to be sure, but often others can see that we have met the Lord in the way we live our lives – the actions that flow from our belief in Jesus promise to go to The Father, prepare a place, and return for us.
The old adage rings true: “You can’t give what you don’t have.” In order to make disciples, we must continually follow the path that Jesus has laid down for us. Over the summer months, it can be tempting to put our faith life “on vacation” and maybe turn down the volume on our prayer life since our daily regimen tends to soften during when we’re not rushing around with kids, schedules, and half eaten breakfast burritos. However, it’s during these easier-going times that we can make the opportunity to really focus on living the faith we profess on Sunday. In the regular rhythm of prayer: spiritual reading, Scripture study, (or a FORMED.org video or audio presentation! It’s free! Go to triparishes.formed.org and sign up!), prayer with our family or spouse, the Holy Rosary, a favorite Novena, and of course our obligation to Sunday Mass and regular use of the Sacrament of Confession, we find an identity not simply as one who knows what Jesus did, but we once again see that we are disciples of the Crucified and Risen one. And this witness is contagious! Others can perceive often what we cannot and long to come to know Jesus as it seems we as disciples do. If you’re “digging in” these summer months not just to relaxation, but also to recommitment to life in Jesus, I promise you’ll also be ready to share with joy when another friend or family member seems hungry for faith.
Be not afraid, because Jesus also makes this promise to his apostles: “Behold, I am always with you, even to the end of the age [or literally ‘the consummation of all things’].” You’ll receive the guidance you need if you simply pray earnestly: “Jesus, ascended to the Father, send your Holy Spirit to my heart to reignite my desire to be disciple.”