The Ascension invites us to reflect on a simple but challenging question: “Why are you standing there looking at the sky?” The disciples watched Jesus rise into heaven, but the message they received—and the message we receive today—is to look outward, toward the world Christ sends us to love and serve.
They had walked with Him, heard His voice, and witnessed His miracles. Now He was gone from their sight. Yet Jesus’ words remain alive. He continues to speak to us through Scripture, through the Church, and through the quiet movements of grace in our daily lives.
Most of us have experienced God’s presence in subtle but powerful ways: a phone call when we needed encouragement, a friend who helped us rise again, a moment of healing or reconciliation that felt almost miraculous. These experiences remind us that God is not distant. He is deeply present, even in a world marked by uncertainty and noise.
In the first reading from Acts, Jesus tells the apostles to wait for the promise of the Father. Waiting is not passive. It prepares the heart. Before Mass begins, we pause, breathe, and open ourselves to God’s Word. Grace takes root in stillness.
Jesus also promises the Holy Spirit. The mission He entrusts to His followers does not begin with human strength but with divine empowerment. The same Spirit that filled the apostles fills us today, urging us to witness boldly and serve generously.
In Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 28:16-20 NIV – The Great Commission – Then the eleven – Bible Gateway), we hear the honest words: “They worshiped, but they doubted.” Even in their doubt, Jesus sends them: “Go… make disciples… and behold, I am with you always.”
Doubt does not disqualify us. It simply means we are human. Jesus meets us there and sends us anyway.
Our world remains beautiful, yet burdened—marked by suffering, division, and hunger. Pope Leo recently reminded us that millions still go without food while so much is wasted. (Pope Leo’s Prayer Intention for May: ‘That Everyone Might Have Food’ – The Good Newsroom) His words echo Christ’s call: the harvest is plentiful, and the labourers are few.
But God equips those He calls. St. Paul prays that the “eyes of your hearts may be enlightened.” We are given wisdom, strength, and the Spirit’s guidance to serve one another.
Every day brings opportunities to live Christ’s mission: a conversation, a need we notice, a moment of compassion, a challenge that invites us to respond with love. These are the ways Jesus continues His work through us.
At the end of every Mass, we hear the same commission given to the apostles: “Go in peace.” “Go, glorifying the Lord by your life.” “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.”
The Ascension is not the end of Jesus’ story. It is the beginning of ours. Christ’s departure from sight is not His absence but His invitation. He entrusts His mission to our hands, His love to our hearts, and His presence to our witness.
So we ask ourselves again: Why are we standing there looking at the sky?
Christ sends us outward—to see, to serve, to love, and to carry His presence into the world.
For other reflections on “Walking With Jesus”, you may enjoy other posts at deaconbobhartman.com/blog
