The Ascension

Forty days after the resurrection, Jesus was taken from the Eleven to take his permanent seat at the right had of his Father.  Mission partly accomplished.  The unfinished business was left to them (and to us) to "Go into the whole world nd proclaim the gospel to every creature." (Mk 16: 15).  Two thousand years later, how is this commission to be carried out?  It is evident that there is some disconnect as Mass attendance around this country is below 20% of baptized Catholics, and worse in Europe.  People claim to be "spiritual" but not "religious", meaning, I think (never quite sure about what "being spiritual means), believing in some sort of "Force" or "Higher Power" that directs this complex universe, contact with whom is made through nature or through other good people.  Evidently our churches, our rituals, our values and "rules" are no longer making this connection to God accessible to large numbers of people.  Materialism, relativism (anything goes),  hedonism (seeking pleasure above all else) and individualism contribute to this alienation.  So how do we put life and meaning into this command?  We have the assurance that miraculous signs will accompany future disciples (driving out demons, speaking new languages, picking up serpents, suriving poison, and healing the sick.  (Mk 16: 19-20).  These were surely present in the early Church as we read in Acts, and should encourage us today.  But in this age of skepticism and cynicism, perhaps the best witness is our loving, kind, patient, compassionate presence which can soothe, lead, and hopefully convince, rather than elaborate programs of evangelization, although there is no doubt that ignorance of the truth must be addressed.  Living what we believe is our best tool of evangelization, remembering that Jesus is with us till the end of time. (cf Mt 28: 20).
Bro. Rene