“This mystery”

June 1: Feast of the Ascension instead of Seventh Sunday of Easter: 

A thought for those who want to reveal the risen Jesus in their lifestyle.

Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-3,6-7,8-9; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20.

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses.” Acts 1:8

In Acts Jesus promises the “power” (dynamis) of the Holy Spirit so his apostles can be witnesses. In his letter to the Ephesians Paul speaks of “the surpassing greatness of Christ’s power (dynamis) for us who believe.” In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus says “All authority (exousia) in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.”

The power to bear witness comes from “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,” and from Jesus himself, through the Holy Spirit, and depends on faith. The authority to make disciples and incorporate them into the body of Christ by Baptism comes from Jesus “seated at the right hand of the Father.” As Christians we act “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” We act as God, with the power of God, in the name of God.

Yes, that is awesome.

We have to accept our lives as a mystery and live them as a mystery: as “this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). This is what it means to bear witness as a prophet.

We are witnesses when the way we live is inexplicable without the power of the Holy Spirit.

PRAY: “Lord, empower me by your Spirit.”

PRACTICE: Dream the impossible dream.