The Ascension: Commissioned to Be Christ’s Loving Presence

Matthew sets the Eleven on a mountain in Galilee where worship and doubt stand side by side. Jesus speaks as Lord: all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. On the strength of that authority, he sends them to make disciples of all nations, to baptize into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, to teach everything he has commanded, and he seals the charge with a steady promise, I am with you always to the end of the age.

The Ascension traces a full circle. The Son comes from the Father for a mission and returns to the Father having done what he was sent to do. Yet the movement up is not a stepping away. The Eucharistic prayer names it clearly: he ascended not to distance himself, but to make the members confident of following where the Head has gone. The return to the Father opens a way and marks a handoff.

That handoff sounds like a baton. Jesus does not leave a plan, a map, or a portfolio. He leaves people and a promise. Trusting the Father, he places his work in their hands and says he will be with them. The presence is not physical. The presence is personal and powerful in the Holy Spirit who is poured out at Pentecost. The Spirit will be their strength, their counsel, and their courage.

The task itself stays clear and ordinary. The call is not first to perform miracles or work wonders. If such gifts come, they serve love. The heart of the mission is to be the loving and caring presence of Jesus in today’s world. That presence looks like patient kindness at home, mercy in community, and faithful truth in public life. It looks like words that carry grace and hands that carry burdens.

On the World Day of Social Communications, the charge lands close. Communication is not only platforms and posts. Communication is a life that becomes a channel through which God’s love reaches families, parishes, and society. The Great Commission gives the scope, the Ascension gives the confidence, and the Spirit gives the company for the road. The Head has gone before in glory. The body is called to follow in hope and to work in love until the end of the age.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Ascension brings Christ full circle The movement is return and completion. The Son comes from the Father for a mission and goes back to the Father having accomplished it. His going is not retreat, but fulfillment that opens a path for those who belong to him. The circle closes so that a new journey for the church can begin. [13:45]
• 2. Authority sends disciples to the nations Jesus roots the sending in his universal authority. The command to make disciples, baptize, and teach grows from who he is, not from human strategy. Obedience to this commission rests in trust that his words carry the weight to sustain the work. Scope is global because his lordship is total. [10:55]
• 3. The mission baton passes to disciples The work of showing the Father’s love moves from Jesus’ hands to theirs. He leaves no road map, only the assignment and his trust. Responsibility matures disciples because it pushes them to lean on the Father as he did. The handoff dignifies ordinary believers as stewards of divine love. [14:13]
• 4. Christ stays with them by Spirit His promise, I am with you always, names a real companionship. Not seen, yet no less present, the Holy Spirit strengthens, guides, and consoles. Courage grows when presence is trusted more than circumstances are measured. Pentecost turns the commission from a burden into a shared yoke with the living Lord. [14:51]
• 5. Ordinary love becomes holy communication The mission looks like being a loving and caring presence where life actually happens. Words, gestures, and daily faithfulness become channels through which God’s heart is communicated. In a noisy world, embodied mercy speaks with unusual clarity. This is witness that makes the gospel believable. [15:06]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:39] - Donor dedications and intentions
• [02:17] - Penitential Act and Kyrie
• [02:47] - Gloria in excelsis
• [03:41] - Collect for Ascension hope
• [10:26] - Gospel reading: Matthew 28:16-20
• [11:34] - Duck Smith story and setup
• [13:14] - No roadmap, trust in the Father
• [13:45] - Ascension as coming full circle
• [14:13] - Baton passes to the apostles
• [14:51] - I am with you always by the Spirit
• [15:06] - Mission as loving, caring presence
• [15:34] - World Day of Social Communications
• [16:14] - Profession of Faith
• [19:53] - Preface: Ascended not to distance himself
• [21:13] - Eucharistic Prayer and consecration
• [24:40] - The Lord’s Prayer
• [26:35] - Communion and invitation
• [28:03] - Prayer after Communion and blessing
• [28:34] - Dismissal and thanks

1. In Matthew 28:17, the disciples’ response to Jesus is described as a mix of worship and doubt. What does this reveal about the nature of faith even among those who witnessed Jesus firsthand? [10:26]
2. Jesus grounds his command to “make disciples of all nations” in his authority (v. 18). How does this authority shape the disciples’ motivation for their mission? [10:55]
3. The sermon mentions that Jesus “leaves no road map” for the disciples but entrusts them with his work. How does this contrast with typical human strategies for achieving large goals? [13:14]

1. Why might Jesus emphasize his universal authority (“all authority… heaven and earth”) as the foundation for a mission that includes “all nations”? How does this connect to the global scope of the church’s calling?
2. The Ascension is described as Jesus “coming full circle” by returning to the Father. How does this completion of his mission give confidence to believers today? [13:45]
3. The sermon states, “The presence [of Jesus] is personal and powerful in the Holy Spirit.” How does the Spirit’s role fulfill Jesus’ promise to be “with you always” (v. 20)?

1. Jesus’ mission includes “ordinary love” like patient kindness and mercy. What is one practical way you can intentionally reflect this kind of love in your home or workplace this week? [15:06]
2. The sermon says communication is “a life that becomes a channel for God’s love.” How can your daily interactions—online or in person—shift from merely sharing opinions to embodying grace? [15:34]
3. When have you hesitated to step into a responsibility (e.g., serving, leading, or speaking truth) because you felt unprepared? How might trusting Jesus’ promise of presence (“I am with you”) change your response next time?
4. The Ascension is meant to give believers “confidence of following where the Head has gone.” What fear or uncertainty do you need to surrender to live more boldly in that hope? [20:10]
5. The sermon highlights that the disciples’ task was “clear and ordinary,” not focused on miracles. Where do you feel pressure to achieve “spectacular” results in your faith, and how can you refocus on faithfulness in small, daily acts?