The Ascension of the Lord

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Even after everything Jesus had done for his disciples, they still doubted. We are often tempted to doubt, too. No matter how many times God proves Himself to us in great and small ways, we still doubt. Perhaps we doubt in God Himself or His Goodness, especially after a tragedy in our lives or when we are in the midst of trials. Perhaps we doubt He forgives us for our sins when we are despairing. Perhaps we doubt the teachings and traditions of the Church because they do not align with our own opinions. The temptation to doubt is constantly around us, but it does not and should not define us. Instead, our lives should be defined by faith, hope, and love. Faith in a Good and Merciful Heavenly Father, who loves us and gives us every grace we need to survive our trials and thrive as saints. Hope in a Savior, who sacrificed Himself for us and will always be with us. Love in a Holy Spirit, who guides, inspires, and enlightens us to grow as charitable members of the Body of Christ, the Church.

Are we willing to place our faith in our Heavenly Father? Are we willing to ground our hope in our Savior, Jesus? Are we willing to allow the Holy Spirit to know, love, and serve others through us?

O Lord, you are with us always. May we never forget this simple, but profound truth!

Amen.