Solemnity of the Ascension May 5, 2005 Scripture: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20 Reflection: All power in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus who freely shares this good life-giving power with us. Today is our commissioning day! Jesus exhorts his disciples to go and make disciples of all ‘nations,’ and then commissions us to join in God’s mission of proclaiming good news to the poor - to baptize, to preach, to heal, to teach. While we bask in Easter peace and joy, Jesus asks us to dig deeply into our graced life and share our treasure. “Go and make disciples”! How can we even think of such a challenge? “You will be given power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” God’s mission has us now! Fear and anxiety and trepidation have no place here. “Behold! I am with you always until the end of time.” Our loving and powerful God wants to dream a dream of new life in us and through us for all the peoples! Let us wake up and allow God’s dream to come alive. Suggested Action: Implore the presence and action of God’s creative spirit to inspire you to some ‘Good News’ activity today. Be aware of a brokenhearted person near you and listen. Be kind. Call. Write. Sr. Patricia Tippen, IHM West Islip, New York