A reading from the conclusion of the holy Gospel according to Mark 16:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name 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. "

So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere , while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word thru accompanying signs.

REFLECTION:

For 40 days we have followed the Lord, as he taught his disciples about God's kingdom. Then he was "taken up" to heaven. The Ascension of Jesus marks the continuation of his work as Lord and Messiah. He will be working from heaven through his people, by the Holy Spirit, for the accomplishment of God's purposes. The ascended Lord promised to send his Spirit to be present with his people, and to empower them to proclaim the gospel to every creature. He was taken up into heaven and sits at the right side of the Father and he now rules with all authority.

Jesus asked the disciples to stay in Jerusalem and to wait for "the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (Acts of the Apostles 1:4-5)

PRAYER: Today we begin the 10 day meditation to the Holy Spirit---St Alphonsus Liguori's Dekaena to the Holy Spirit. These 10 days are a time of preparation for us to receive the Holy Spirit. The Dekaena can be found on our website. Amen

God Bless