THE MYSTERY OF FAITH V:  SENDING

    We have listened to God’s word; we have been nourished with the bread of life. In celebrating the Eucharist we have “touched the divine life” which God gives to the world. And now we are sent forth, not because our prayer is over, but because it is only beginning! At the end of every Mass, we receive a commission, as the disciples did long ago, to go forth and preach the Gospel. We are the body of Christ: and so we are sent forth to be Christ’s love, peace, hope, and joy in the world.

    The Sunday Eucharist is said to be the “source and summit” of our Christian lives. And its authenticity will be measured not so much by what happens within these walls, but by what we do when we leave here.

    For we who have been welcomed by Christ and brought together into this community of faith must reach out to the lonely, the friendless, and the stranger.

    We who have listened to God’s word and sung God’s praises must listen also to the cry of God’s poor.

    We who have broken bread together at this altar must find ways to help the millions in our world who suffer from hunger.

    We who have shared Christ’s peace with one another must work for peace in our homes, our workplaces, and our world.

    Today, we have celebrated the Ascension of the Lord. The Ascension doesn’t mean Jesus left us alone; it means Jesus is with us always, until the end of the age. Jesus is truly “in our midst as one who serves.” And in our service of others, we will see his face.

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