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Dear Friend,
The Gospel for this Sunday is about the Ascension of our Lord according to Luke (24:46-53). As we read and reflect on this Gospel, let us remember that the disciples had been commanded to "take care of my sheep" and "follow me," said Jesus.
Let the family focus on the words of Jesus to His disciples. These words are important for us who are about to embark also on a mission to reach out to His "Lost flock."
"You see what was written: the Messiah had to suffer and on the third day rise from the dead." As the disciples were to go on mission, they have to be reminded to seek the Lost Flock and to tell them that the Messiah had risen from the dead; otherwise, Jesus would be received just as the other prophets before Him had been. This was also a reminder of what Jesus told His disciples: "If you will be a follower of mine, deny yourself and take up your cross each day: and follow me. For if you choose to save your life, you will lose it, and if you lose your life for my sake, you will save it." This is the conversion process that any disciple will follow for oneself and for others to follow in "making disciples of all nations."
"Then repentance and forgiveness in his name would be proclaimed to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem." Repentance and forgiveness are the beginning of the mission as John the Baptist preached to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. The mission has to begin in Jerusalem -- it has to begin with the disciples themselves.
"Now you shall be witnesses to these things and this is why I will send you what my Father promised. So remain in the city until you are invested with power from above." Jesus was a witness of the Father. A disciple has to be a witness of Jesus. The disciples have seen the resurrection of Jesus and now they would see His Ascension. But there would be a Thomas among them to whom Jesus would say, "Happy are those who believe although they do not see." For the Lost Flock would have not seen Jesus and have to believe. They would not be afraid as the Power from above would be with them. Jesus will be with them "until the end of this world."
Prayer and Reflection ~
As I prepare to be ONE with the Lost Flock, I must see in myself an authentic witness of the love of Jesus -- giving my life for a friend.
I, too, must deny myself, take up my cross each day.
I have to start with repentance and forgiveness as I have also sinned.
I need not be afraid to undertake this as the Holy Spirit will be with me.
I had the privilege of seeing where Thomas went on mission and how he gave up his life to save it.
It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that I, too, can give up my life for Jesus.
Joe & Charito
THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA'S
ONLINE RESOURCE FOR FAMILY MINISTRIES
www.simbahayan.org
servants@simbahayan.org
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