From today’s Scripture: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”—Acts 1:8

The Ascension marks Christ’s physical departure from his followers, but their reaction was a far cry from the fear that gripped them after the crucifixion. While the “catastrophe of the cross” once left their faith wavering, they were now so transformed by the reality of the Resurrection that they didn’t feel a sense of loss. Instead, as the Gospel describes, they returned to Jerusalem “filled with great joy,” spending their time in the temple praising God, and eventually making disciples of all nations.

The Ascension is also our commissioning. Through the Holy Spirit, we are sent to be Jesus’ witnesses in the world. St. Teresa of Avila said it best: “Christ has no body, hands, or feet on earth now but ours.” He may no longer physically walk among us, but his presence becomes tangible through our actions. We find him in the service of our soup kitchens, the shared stories at our dinner tables, and the grace of the Eucharist. Whenever we uplift a soul struggling against the storms of life, we prove that he’s indeed living through us. We continue his healing when we comfort the sick, his teaching when we guide our children toward wisdom, and his radical inclusivity when we embrace the marginalized.

Today’s author is Wilmar Zabala, Glenmary’s vocation counselor, who helps men discern their call to serve in the home missions.

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