May 20, 2012 — Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:15-17, 20a, 20c-26; Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20; 1 Jn 4:11-16; Jn 17:11b-19
Or
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Eph 1:17-23 or Eph 4:1-13 or Eph 4:1-7, 11-13; Mk 16:15-20
Today we continue to revel in Easter joy, and the scripture readings remind us that it is our duty as Christian disciples to proclaim the Good News of Christ’s resurrection. Just as realistically as Christ called His first disciples to proclaim the Good News, He calls each one of us. He has given us so many gifts, and it is our task as disciples to use them for God’s glory, to build the Kingdom with our time, talents, and treasure.
St. Paul writes to the Ephesians, “”I urge you to live in a manner of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love. … You were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. … But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (second reading for the Ascension).
Christ has ascended into heaven, and we live in a different era than those first disciples, but the call is one and the same. It is personal (He calls each one of us by name), it is urgent (He wants us to turn to Him now. He wants us to bring others to Him now). And it is sacrificial (We must give of ourselves – whole and entire – for the sake of the Gospel).
Living such a life, giving of ourselves for the sake of Christ and His Church is extreme, particularly today when the world is consumed in selfishness, but it is fulfilling and it is glorious. It is the only way each one of us can be truly happy.
How will you take ownership of your call to discipleship today. How can you take a step forward in your stewardship way of life, giving more of yourself – of your time, talent, and treasure to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ?
