May 28 – Ascension Sunday
It is the season of new beginnings. Whether in nature or life, we see things coming to full bloom. Graduations from high school and college and the preponderance of weddings speak to lives changing as new responsibilities are undertaken. In the church as well, we close out the Easter season as we celebrate the Ascension and then Pentecost. Jesus has finished his work here on earth and now the new church is in the hands of the apostles and ultimately each of us. We are each called to respond to the call of Jesus to make His church come alive. Paul tells us later in the letter to the Ephesians to “live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of spirit through the bond of peace.” We are called to use our gifts – given us by Christ – to build up the body of Christ.
As Vincentians, this call connects us intimately to the poor and less fortunate – those to whom Jesus most closely aligned himself with. Do we continually bring the opportunity for newness of life to those we minister to? Do we minister with humility, gentleness and patience making Christ ever present? As we perfect the nature of our ministry, we also perfect ourselves in holiness.
Lord Jesus, allow me to minister always in humility, with gentleness and patience that I might respond worthily to your call. Grant that I might be able to effectively convey your hope, your presence, and your love to all I minister to. Allow me to be your instrument of healing helping to usher in new beginnings for those who are hurting.
I pray all of this in your name.
Amen