What can describe the feeling of Jesus’ disciples as they stood there, witnesses to his ascension to heaven and to the Father whose love he had proclaimed to them? They had already been convinced that he truly was the son of the Most High God.

Not limited by the mortal body, he had transcended the suffering and death he had endured and had risen. They had been in his presence several times since then. They believed. And there was so much to look forward to.

So finally, they stand together as he leaves them. Not a goodbye! How different from the time not long ago when he was taken from them. They already had so much to rejoice about but now Jesus was reiterating his promise to send them the Paraclete, the Companion, the Spirit of himself and the Father to be with them always. They were to wait to be clothed with the “Power from on high”.

What foretaste of such an experience have we enjoyed? A man and woman in love with each other seeing the day of their marriage drawing near, the anticipation of a lifetime together, no longer two but one.

The couple anxious to start a family, finally she is pregnant and they look forward to the birth of their first child. The months of physical discomfort, fear and uncertainty before the excruciating pain that accompanies labour and childbirth all dim into oblivion as finally the woman holds her child in her arms.

The years of study, sometimes almost crippled at times by doubts about the rightness of his choice, all disappear as the new priest lies prostrate on the altar caught up in the power of the prayer of generations of believers interceding for him. 
It was worth it.

The lessons Jesus taught his disciples would now take on their true meaning. He reminds them about what is written, relating it to their experiences. They would be empowered to go out and proclaim the message he left them – Repent, be forgiven and be healed. His message of repentance and forgiveness of sins would be spread to all nations, to the ends of the earth.

They finally understand why he had come into the world and why he must leave them. They are no longer afraid and return to Jerusalem, “full of joy”.

When did we finally see something that was previously hidden from us? An answer to a problem that we had spent many anxious moments trying to solve. A previously truant child learning a life lesson you had been trying to teach, seeing him/her make a mature and responsible decision that you could barely have anticipated.

When did our faith inspire such joy, such anticipation, such conviction of the truth as the disciples felt that day? When did our Faith inspire such depth of commitment that we were willing to leave all else behind to ensure that the message of Christ is proclaimed to those around us?

Today, we are called to repentance. Today, we are called to forgive others, starting with those we once swore to love and to receive forgiveness. Today, we are called to reflect the love of the Christ in our world.

Let us Pray

Almighty, ever-loving and forgiving Father, we come to you as those who have heard the message of your Son. We come as those who in hearing the Word, have believed and have promised to live in accordance with His commandment of love. We come as those who have experienced the power of His forgiveness in our own lives.

Hear us, oh loving Father, when we admit that today we are again in need of your forgiveness. That today, we repent of having strayed from the path that we chose so long ago. We pray that today, we may again open wide our minds and hearts to receive your Word and to be committed to its proclamation.

Soften, almighty Father, those hearts that are stony and remove the barriers that we have erected against the power of your love. In your infinite wisdom and love for us, you have allowed us a share in your salvation of the world.

You have given us the will to choose. Today we choose to join our will with your will for us, that we might repent of our sins, that we might forgive and have our sins forgiven, that we might love as only you have loved us sending your Son and giving us the message of eternal life.

We pray in the name of your Son and our Lord. Amen.  

Gospel Meditations for May are by Maraika Gooding. Maraika and her husband Trevor are the parents of five children and grandparents of two. She is a guidance counsellor.