If a doctor has ever prescribed antibiotics for you he or she will tell you that you must finish the course if you are to get the benefit of them. In today’s Gospel we see that Jesus has finished the course he has come full circle. His earthly ministry has come to an end and He is entrusting his mission to the disciples. 

Jesus’s ascension is both an ending and a beginning. The resurrection appearances of Jesus are now at an end; his revelation of the kingdom of God is complete; the promise of the Messiah is fulfilled. Now begins the work of his disciples to teach what they have learned and to share what they have witnessed. Like any beginning or transition in life, it is a moment of great uncertainty, confusion and apprehension. Christ places his Church in the company of illiterate fishermen, unremarkable men and yet what began with those followers of Jesus has grown and flourished down through the centuries. The church that Jesus leaves to them is rooted not in buildings or wealth or systems of theology but in faith nurtured in the human heart, a faith centered in wisdom and trust that is empowering and liberating, a faith that gives us the strength and freedom to be authentic witnesses to the Risen One, who is present among us. 

At his ascension Jesus calls His disciples to be his witnesses, to tell others about the good that God has worked in their lives. In returning to his Father, Jesus entrusts His mission to his disciples.  A mission to continue his work just as he taught them: to preach the Good News of God’s love, hope and mercy, to be living witnesses of his presence.

Today Jesus is asking us, inviting us to be his witnesses, to be agents of hope in a world of raising intolerance, of war and rejection of peace, of environmental  destruction and the loss of biodiversity. We are called to be prophets of compassion, hope and peace. We who have heard the story of Jesus and have experienced his love in our lives are now called to bring that love into the lives of others. We are called to continue Jesus’s work, to teach, to love and to heal in our own small corners of our world, to hand on the story of God’s love for all of humanity. Our mission is to bring him to all we meet in what we say and what we do.  And let us not forget His promise to us ‘And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’

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Are you seeking a nurturing and enriching educational environment for your child? Look no further than Saint Andrew School, where Catholic Education comes to life through faith, excellence, and community. Our dedicated faculty inspires students to achieve their full potential academically, spiritually, and socially. At Saint Andrew, we blend rigorous academics with character-building values, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. Experience our vibrant campus, where every student is known, loved, and challenged to grow. Choose Saint Andrew School today and invest in a brighter future for your child. Enroll now and join our family! We have an upcoming tour on May 13 at 9am. Sign up for a tour here: schedule a tour New student applications for the 25-26 can be found here: New Student Application