Acts 1:1-11; Eph 1:17-23 or 4:1-13; Mk 16:15-20
A careful reader would notice the differences in the biblical accounts of the Ascension of our Lord. For example, in the gospel of Luke (24:36-49) and in the Acts of the Apostles (1:6-8), we are informed that the Ascension happened in Jerusalem. But in the gospels of Matthew (28:16-20) and Mark (16:14-15), the mysterious event happened in the town of Galilee. Moreover, Luke and Acts narrate that the Ascension happened 40 days after the Lord's Resurrection, something that is not mentioned in Matthew and Mark.
The Scriptures are inspired writings intended to provide religious truths, not historical facts. Despite the differences in their accounts of the Ascension, the biblical writers are unanimous in presenting the great mission entrusted by Christ to his disciples:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19-20).
“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mk 16:15).
The mission left by Christ to his followers is to preach the good news about God's love to the whole world. This task is given not only to priests and religious but to all baptized Christians. Indeed, all of us are to show God's love to people by our words and actions.
Which is easier to do – to preach by words or by example? There is a saying that goes, “Action speaks louder than voice.” In other words, preaching becomes more effective when what is being preached is lived by the preacher. A priest whose lifestyle runs contrary to what he preaches is no credible preacher. In like manner, parents and teachers would only gain the respect of their children and students if they try to practice what they teach.
Preaching the love of God to people nowadays is getting more and more difficult and yet necessary. The modern man would tend to put their trust in their capacities and resources, not in God. Moreover, what rules the heart of many people today are material things and modern technology. Imagine, for example, how much attention is given by man to television shows, music in ipods, computer games, internet services, and cellphone gadgets. One could practically wonder if people still have meaningful time for God and for each other.
We have to do our work of evangelization because people today are getting farther and farther away from God and from one another. We need to remind people that only in God can we find true life and happiness. Material things and modern technology only have real value if they could bring us closer to God and if they could be used to show genuine compassion for one another.
A beautiful old story tells of how Jesus, after his Ascension into Heaven, was surrounded by the Holy Angels who began to enquire about how his work on earth had gone.
Jesus told them about his birth, life, death and resurrection, and how he accomplished the salvation of the world.
One of the angels asked, “Well, now that you are back in heaven, who will continue your work on earth?"
Jesus said, "While I was on earth, I gathered a group of people around me who believed in me and loved me. They will continue to spread the Gospel and carry on the work of the Church.”
The angels were perplexed. "You mean Peter, who betrayed you and all the rest who ran away when you were arrested and crucified? Do you mean to tell us that you left them to carry on your work? And what will you do if this plan doesn't work?"
Jesus said, "I have no other plan – it must work!”
(The story is from http://www.cbcisite.com/Sunday%20Homily.htm)
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