Mark 16:19-20
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 through accompanying signs.
This weekend we read of the Ascension of the Lord into Heaven. This feast day is typically 40 days after Easter but the readings may be moved to following Sunday. The Ascension of the Lord is a key element to our Christian faith. In fact this belief is proclaimed in both the Apostles and Nicene Creeds. "He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father." Its hard to imagine someone ascending into heaven, yet our faith traditions teach that all of us we be raised from the grave on the last day. But before our Lord made his ascent, he gave us a command that is also with us to this day. That was for us to go into the world and proclaim the good news to every creature. This command was given directly to the disciples and has been handed down through the centuries as part of our sacramental beliefs. To baptize those who believe, to drive out demons and to heal the sick. These signs of our faith are displayed also in our priesthood. The final verse of todays Gospel from Mark 16:20 reads, "they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs." This is part of the vocation for the priesthood. But you, as a layperson, are also called to preach everywhere. How do you share the faith in your home, in your neighborhood, or in your work environment? Do you shout it from the rooftop, or do you show it by your actions. In all of your dealings with coworkers, family or friends this week, make a conscious effort to show that you are a believer by your actions. For they know we are Christians by our love.
