The Book of Acts describes Jesus' ascent to the Father. Jesus assures his disciples that they will be “baptized with the Holy Spirit” so that they become his “witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and to the ends of the earth.” From being on the earth with human beings he is now with his Father in heaven, showering his choicest blessings on us. As the psalmist prays, “God is king of all the earth”, let us also celebrate God's universal kingship. St. Paul amplifies the witnessing element of the authentic Christian life by saying, “May God enlighten the eyes of our heart so that we may know the great hope to which we have been called.” Therefore, our greatest witness to the presence of Jesus in our midst is our unity with God seen in our living with one another in peace and harmony.

In today's gospel, Jesus exhorts his apostles with his final message, his final instructions, his final promise and his final blessing. As Pope Francis says, Jesus ascended to the Father, “and from there he continues to intercede, every day, every moment for us. Jesus stands before the Father, offering His life for our salvation and so we pray for one another.”