On Ascension Sunday, the Gospel invites us to enter into discipleship by sharing the Good News while knowing Jesus is here with us always.
“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” We know that faith is not easy at times. We may encounter challenges that will cause us to question our faith. Does this mean we stop halfway up the mountain, or continue to the top to see the view? If the disciples stopped climbing, they would not have heard the promise that Jesus made, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This statement offers us great comfort, giving each of us courage and hope, knowing that Jesus always keeps his word. This is a promise for all of us, Jesus will not abandon us even if we are challenged in our faith journey. If we stumble, he is there to help us up.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising 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.”
We may question whether we as laypeople can share the Word of God. You might ask yourself, where would I even begin, or, my life is too busy, I am not a priest or disciple. The truth is, this is an invitation to all, as this Gospel tells us, there were 11 disciples remaining, therefore an opening for each of us to fill the 12th place and follow Jesus in word and action.
Through Baptism, we are embarking on this faith journey of learning and sharing the message. By surrounding ourselves and being witness to Christ’s teachings, we have the opportunity to share them with others, helping others to know him and love him as much as we do.
Jesus would have known that his command to make disciples of all nations of all the world was an immense task and would take generations to achieve. After two thousand years this mission continues, even with the joys and challenges of our modern world, the message is being shared far and wide.
Proof of this can be seen in the resurgence of people who enter the Church each year. This Easter, the Catholic Diocese of Sale welcomed 100 brothers and sisters who were initiated into the Church. Last year, the Archdiocese of Sydney reported its highest number of seminarians in 40 years with 46 young men preparing to be ordained priests. In coming months, the Seminary at Corpus Christi is also expected to see two men ordained to the priesthood and two to the diaconate. These people have heard the call, not only to follow Jesus but to continue spreading the message to others, either by entering the Church or by dedicating their life to his mission.
Be proud of your faith. Do not be afraid to discuss your faith journey with others, tell them of your relationship with God, about the joy of going to church, taking part in prayer, or reading the Bible. You never know who you might inspire to join you in the journey of discipleship. Meanwhile, be comforted in the knowledge and never forget that you will not be alone, Jesus will be with you always until the end of time.
