Daily Gospel Reflection for May 16, 2021: Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

I received first Communion on May 16th, 1992. Nearly three decades later, I still remember the excitement and atmosphere. The long preparation we underwent in anticipation. The songs that we would practice and artwork we would create. The wonder of what the Body and Blood tasted like. The pictures amongst flowers in our Sunday best. The many ways that would ultimately show our love for Christ.

Imagine the sight of the Ascension of Christ. You are there, witnessing it with your very own eyes, His peace-filled departure and rise into the gates of Heaven.

No closer today are we to Christ than through Holy Communion. Being in church allows us this very opportunity closer than any other physical entity here in this day and age.

Being a second grader when I first received Holy Communion, I had yet to know of the Communion of Saints. Today, however, I recognize it is their works and love for Christ that emulate the presence of what He asked. They are the examples in their entirety of proclaiming the Gospel to our world. And the Mass is our opportunity to join in their presence: of Heaven on Earth.

The ending of Mark's Gospel is that there is no true ending. Rather, it exists as a living testament for us to continue His story ourselves. To meet and listen to one another, sharing the good news. Through Christ, we can do great things, from the to the smallest day-to-day works to the largest of miracles.

Ponder:

How will you proclaim the Gospel to those around you?

Pray:

Lord, may we always value the reality that through Communion, we have Christ within us. May we live to spread His good news to all our neighbors this day and always.