Today we celebrate the great feast of the Ascension of our Lord
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Today we celebrate the great feast of the Ascension of our Lord — that moment when Jesus, 40 days after His Resurrection, was lifted up into heaven as the apostles watched in stunned amazement. It must have been an extraordinary thing to witness. Yet the first reading makes clear that the apostles were not meant to remain there, simply gazing upward. “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?” In other words — do not just stand there. Do something.
This is a message for us as Christian stewards. We have been given countless graces — through the Mass and the sacraments, through the Word of God, and through the many gifts and blessings entrusted to us in daily life. We have been given our time, our talents, our material resources, and the opportunities God places before us each day. Like the apostles, we are not meant to simply receive these gifts and remain unchanged. We are called to put them into action in love and gratitude to the One Who gave them to us.
The Ascension, then, is not an ending, but a commissioning. Before returning to the Father, Jesus entrusts His mission to His disciples. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” This call is not reserved for a select few — it is given to every Christian. In our homes, our parish communities, our workplaces, and our daily encounters, we witness to Christ. We do this not only through words, but through the witness of a life lived with faith, generosity, and love — offering our time, talent, and treasure in service to God and to others.
On this feast of the Ascension, let us take time to “look up” and reflect on the greatness of our God and the many blessings He has entrusted to us. Then let us respond as good stewards — not by standing still, but by putting those gifts to work in grateful service to Him, confident that He is with us always. Join us this Tuesday night, May 19 at 6:30 PM in Assisi Hall to learn more!
Fr. Mark Zacker
Pastor