“Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Mt. 28:20

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles today Paul tells us how Christ ascended into heaven.  I would be in awe.  Yet I would also be wondering what Jesus meant by, “…in a few days you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.”  “..You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”  This must have been as challenging to those disciples as it is to each of us.  After all, we are Jesus’ disciples today, here and now.  We have received the Holy Spirit.  We are nourished each Eucharist with the body and blood of Jesus.

Why then is it so difficult to proclaim with joy and confidence the Good News?  I really like a saying attributed to St. Francis. “Preach the Good News daily and use words if you have to.”  It is through the way I act, with reverence, compassion and kindness that others will be able to receive the Good News.  I/we can be emboldened by the Gospel message Jesus leaves with the disciples/us.  “Behold I am with you always.”

Jan Ginzkey, OSB