You will be my witnesses

May 21, Sunday of The Ascension of the Lord
Daily Readings: 1st reading: Acts 1:1-11,  2nd Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23, Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

Today's first reading describes the last time the apostles saw the risen Christ. Luke describes the scene in the first chapter of his Book of Acts. Still, words alone can't capture the amazement and wonder the apostles must have felt when they saw Jesus "lifted up" into heaven (Acts 1:9). They were indeed blessed to be eyewitnesses to all that Jesus said and did from the beginning of his ministry up to this dramatic moment.

But along with this privilege came great responsibility. In his final instructions to his apostles, Jesus said, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This was their new purpose in life, the very reason why Jesus had chosen them in the first place. Upon their eyewitness accounts would rest the faith of millions of believers and the entire Church through the centuries.

Of course, many other people have followed in the apostles' footsteps by witnessing to Christ. They may not have seen Jesus firsthand, but they have experienced his presence and the power of his Holy Spirit in their lives. By default, every person who calls himself a believer is also a witness to Christ. Do you think of yourself as a witness? If you follow Jesus, you can't help being one. You witness the values that guide you, the love you show others, and your prayer life. You witness when you share how God is working in your life, how he has forgiven you or how he has answered a prayer.

Jesus' final words at his Ascension weren't just for his apostles but for you, too. So how might you witness to Jesus today? Every day presents a new opportunity that might lead another person to a new or more profound love of the Lord.

"Holy Spirit, open my eyes to the ways I can witness to you today."