THE GOSPEL DOESN’T HAVE BORDER

Acts 1, 1-11; Eph 4, 1-13; Mk 16, 15-20

     The feast of today clarifies to us the mystery of the presence of Jesus. Jesus didn’t leave the heaven when he came to us and didn’t abandon us when he was taken up to heaven. The Ascension of Jesus speaks about the new way of his presence among us, announcing new stage of his mission. It is the time of the Church, community of the disciples of Jesus. The central message about that it is very clear in the two texts of Luke: The Gospel and Acts of Apostles as continuity. In the Gospel he presents the actions of Jesus and in the Acts the actions of his disciples helped by his Holy Spirit, new way of presence of God among them.

      The apparitions of Jesus during some time motivated his disciples to recover the reason of the discipleship, overcoming fears and doubts about the reality of the resurrection. All these experiences were very new for them and Jesus understood that was necessary to be patient because their little faith. The process was long, but very effective, causing great transformation in the lives of the disciples: from fearful men to courageous witnesses. In his last words to them Jesus helped them to understand the connection between everything he deed and taught with the reality of the kingdom of God. The reality of the kingdom of God was revealed through the gestures of Jesus and continues through the actions of those who carry out his mission up to the ends of the earth. To wait being filled by the strength from above is to abandon themselves to the action of God as instruments of his salvation. This work doesn’t belong to men but comes from God. The Spirit was in the beginning of creation, in the beginning of the mission of Jesus and should conduct the mission of the community of his disciples.

       The first testimony of the community of the disciples of Jesus is the unity which was guaranteed by the Spirit of Jesus. Each one is called to do the best of himself in order to preserve this unity as reason of identity. In the community all have received gifts from God in order to be gift to one another, joining forces to contribute to up build of the same body, which is holy and living because is the same Spirit who acts in it. Like this the mystery of the presence of Jesus is revealed, since we cannot separate the body from the head.  

      Jesus is the unique with authority given directly from the Father to reveal his plan of salvation. He shared this authority with his disciples in order to serve the people, guaranteeing abundant life to all. The criterion to experience this abundant life is the faith, which comes to us through the reality of the baptism. The disciples were sent as messengers of good news to all humanity because the gospel doesn’t have border. Jesus had promised to them to accompany their journey until the end. Although his physical presence is not more possible, his Spirit is guaranteed to motivate them in their mission. The presence constant of the Spirit of Jesus in the journey of his apostles and in the life of all who believe in him has made effective their words through signs and marvellous deeds.   

        The angels said to the first disciples and repeat to us today, “why are you looking up to heaven”. What does it mean? Sure, as Christians, we need to turn our look at Jesus, our model and head in order to continue his work with faithfulness, but we cannot stay stopped looking up to heaven. This situation might be sign of accommodation or paralysis. The Lord wants us watchful and actives. Blessed are those servants who will be serving when their Lord returns.  The Christian life is contemplation and action, faith and deeds. The signs of the active presence of Jesus are the works of those who believe in him and follow his footsteps. May the action of the Holy Spirit make our experience of Jesus effective in our daily life, showing concrete signs of our commitment with him and his mission. 

Fr Ndega