Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."
In today’s Gospel, before Jesus ascended into heaven, He entrusted His disciples with a sacred mission, saying: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20).
Through the apostolic succession of the Church, this divine commissioning continues even today. Jesus speaks not only to ordained ministers but also to all of us who believe in Him. In our own way and according to our own calling, the Lord sends us forth to proclaim His love, His mercy, and His saving presence to the world. It is as if Jesus is gently reminding us: “Share the Good News about Me, and do not be afraid, for I am always with you.”
What powerful and comforting words from our Lord! Yet amid the busyness and distractions of life, have we truly listened to His call? Have we allowed His Word to dwell in our hearts so deeply that we are moved to share Him with others? Have we become living witnesses of His compassion, forgiveness, and love?
Today, as we celebrate the glorious feast of the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, we may wonder: Has Jesus left us alone? Has He abandoned us to face life’s uncertainties by ourselves? Certainly not. The Ascension is not a story of Jesus leaving us behind; rather, it is a beautiful reminder that He remains with us in a deeper and more powerful way.
Jesus continues to walk with us through the Holy Spirit. He strengthens us through the Holy Mass, nourishes us through the Sacraments, and guides us through His living Word. In moments of weakness, fear, and uncertainty, the Lord never ceases to remind us that His presence remains constant and faithful.
It is easy for us to say that we love Jesus and desire to share Him with others. But the greater challenge is this: Are we truly living what we proclaim? Do our words, actions, attitudes, and choices reflect the presence of Christ within us? Sharing Jesus with the world requires courage, humility, patience, and a heart filled with faith.
Still, we need not be afraid, for Jesus Himself assures us: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
As we continue our journey of faith, may we not keep Jesus only within the comfort of our hearts, but may we courageously bring Him to others through our kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and love.
Today, the Lord once again entrusts us with His mission. The question is: Will we remain silent spectators of our faith, or will we courageously become living witnesses who bring the presence of Jesus to a world longing for hope, peace, and salvation?– Marino J. Dasmarinas









