Weekly thoughts on the Sunday Gospel, readings or a topic...

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seeing your life through the lens of the gospels – Matthew 28:16-20
1. Jesus meets the disciples for the last time. His final words give them direction for their future. Perhaps you can recall such parting moments in your own life – leaving home, school, college, or the death of a loved one. Was there an occasion when the words spoken to you gave you direction for the future?
2. Perhaps you can identify with Jesus in the story, when as a parent, teacher, or in some other way, you sent someone on their way in life, knowing that you would not be with them as in the past. When did the way you parted help the other to make their way in life?
3. Despite this extraordinary encounter with Jesus some of the disciples doubted. Dealing with questions and doubt is part of an adult faith journey. How have your questions and doubts helped to shape the faith you have today?
4. Jesus commissioned this collection of believing and doubting disciples to carry on his work. We inherit that mission today. How do you see yourself as commissioned to continue the mission of Jesus?
5. Jesus told his disciples that although he would not be physically with them, he would be with them in a new way right through life. Have there been times when you were reassured by the love and support of another even though they were not physically present with you? What are the things that help you to be aware of the presence of Jesus with you on life’s journey?  – John Byrne, OSA

The Deep End
In the first reading today, we hear the words: ‘Men of Galilee why do you stand looking up towards heaven?’ If we only look skywards for Christ, we lose sight of the reality of His presence around us, in each and every person, in each created thing. This week, Catholic communities have been encouraged to celebrate Laudato Si’ week to mark the fifth anniversary since the publication of Pope Francis’ document on Care for Our Common Home. Parishes around the world have (hopefully) engaged in this celebration by looking at their relationship with God’s creation, praying for our world and what we can do to protect it. In Laudato Si’ we read, ‘What [Christians] need is an ‘ecological conversion,’ whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them’ (LS 217). This conversion calls for a number of attitudes, including gratitude, ‘a recognition that the world is God’s loving gift, and the we are called quietly to imitate his generosity in good works... it entails a loving awareness that we are not disconnected from creatures but joined in a splendid universal communion... each creature reflects something of God.’ (LS 220-221)
As we celebrate Ascension Sunday, we are reminded by Christ that we are carrying on his message of love to the world and that He is with us always. Christ is not one who has abandoned the world but rather one who is in this world, in all of creation. Like the disciples, committed to a cause, we are carriers of this message into the world, and this includes the message to care more deeply for the earth, our home, which we all share. 
– Jane Mellett

(from Intercom)