In the comic strip, Shoe, the irascible Shoe is at the counter trying to pick up a woman who is sitting at the next stool. “Listen,” Shoe says, “I don’t mean to be a pest. You say the word and I’m out of here.” The woman responds, “Why that is very sweet of you.” She then says, “Commitment.” When she turns around, the entire place is empty.
Fortunately, for you and me, that didn’t happen when Jesus spoke much the same message to the disciples shortly before he ascended to heaven. His ascension became a moment of commitment for the disciples. They could have gone back to their former lives, fishing, collecting taxes, whatever, but they didn’t. Jesus had entrusted them with the mission to go forth from Jerusalem to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth and once they were empowered by the Holy Spirit, they did just that.
Since then the Church has carried out its mission, fully committed to sharing the Good News, living up to its name, “Catholic,” which means universal. Commissioned by Jesus to teach his message of salvation and forgiveness through scripture and the sacraments, the Church has been a continual witness to his passion, death, and resurrection, along with his call to repentance and the forgiveness of sins in many corners of the world.
Little did the apostles realize what was in store for them when they asked the question, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the Kingdom to Israel?” Indeed he would but not in the manner they had envisioned. His kingdom would liberate them from sin, not Roman oppression. The Church that began with them has since become the largest and most widespread faith in the world committed to sharing the Good News. Something must have gone right for that to happen in spite of its many shortcomings throughout its history.
Although the event brought Jesus’ earthly mission to a close, his final words were more of a commencement address than a farewell discourse. In effect, Jesus challenged the disciples to make a difference in the world around them, enlightened by what he had taught them and empowered by the Holy Spirit to do so. He told them, “Repentance, for the forgiveness of sins in his name, would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”
What he charged to the apostles then is a mission that Jesus entrusts to us now. Keep in mind though that he isn’t sending you out there on your own. As he said to the apostles, “Wait for the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak for in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” By virtue of our baptism we are empowered with the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The task of preaching the gospel to the world now depends on us. As his witnesses, Jesus isn’t suggesting that we be religious fanatics and stand on some street corner in downtown Langley, thumping a Bible and preaching to anyone who would listen. While evangelizing in that manner could have an impact on some nonbelievers in our midst, and some of our fellow parishioners have done that at local markets, we can be more effective simply by living the faith well by what we say and do. We proclaim the Good News best by striving to remain committed to the faith we profess.
The evangelical witness that the world finds most appealing has concern for people and charity towards the poor, the weak, and those who are suffering. Back in my college days, a popular folk song at Mass, which we sing at times here, was “They’ll know we are Christians by our Love.” Setting an example by loving others, showing respect to them, being patient with those who may annoy us, forgiving those who have offended us, working side by side for a better world are examples of how we can effectively proclaim the Gospel and make the kingdom real in this time and place. Carrying out the corporal works of mercy as pictured in those stained glass windows are ways of acting toward others just as Christ would expect us to. After all, actions do speak louder than words. On the flip side, speaking ill of anyone or losing one’s temper would do nothing to create the kingdom that Jesus has in mind for bringing peace into our lives.
Witnessing to Jesus and teaching others about him can seem daunting but we are in this together. Think of the Ascension as that moment in the relay race in which Jesus passed the baton on to his disciples, which is now being passed on to us to carry on his mission of building the kingdom. The idea may seem intimidating to you like an assignment on Mission Impossible yet Jesus is counting on us to do our part to build up his kingdom in this lifetime.
The witness of the Christian life is more powerful than any argument; as I said, actions speak louder than words. In the lives of some, the flame of faith is a bright flame whereas in the lives of others that faith is a dim glow or an occasional spark. I stand before you today because I was inspired by the example of my parents and certain friends whose faith were like bright flames that left a lasting impression on me, challenging me to remain committed to our Catholic faith. Your personal testimony, example, and conviction, evidenced by your love, faith and commitment to Christ, may very well make a lasting impression on someone in your life, just as my father, who became a Catholic a year before he died, did on me when I was a teenager.