On the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord we see how the story is far from over. A new chapter has begun and a new mission is entrusted to the apostles. Jesus gives instructions to the apostles and the angels are again with the apostles to announce the “Mission Impossible”. In the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles we see how the new mission that is given to the apostles is to now carry the Good News to the ends of the earth, to all people everywhere. Eleven men, chosen by Jesus as his apostles, will go up against all the rulers of the world to establish the Church and bring the gift of salvation to all peoples. They also will use only their own gifts and the power of the Holy Spirit working within them to accomplish their mission. Throughout the book of Acts the drama unfolds until finally we see in its final chapter how the impossible mission has now become “Mission Accomplished” when the gospel is preached in the center of the Roman Empire, the city of Rome. After giving his instructions to the apostles, Jesus and the angels disappear into the heavens to return again once the mission has been accomplished.
Nothing is impossible for God. Against all odds, against formidable enemies, against human weaknesses, against natural disasters the plan of salvation unfolds and is accomplished by the apostles. Their secret weapon is not some trick new technological toy but the love of God that conquers sin, fear, evil and even death itself. This love is poured out upon them by the gift of the Holy Spirit who will teach them everything that they need to know for their mission and will remind them of the love that the Father and the Son have for them. Faith opens the way for them to escape dangers, understand new truths and establish a new order in the world.
The story is still far from over. There are still chapters to be written in this great drama of salvation. Each of us is entrusted with a “Mission Impossible” that with the help of the Holy Spirit and living a life in the Spirit will one day become “Mission Accomplished” in each of our lives. Should we accept this mission we are in for a great adventure. The fate of the world still lies in the balance and is dependent upon faithful witnesses to carry out the mission that is entrusted to them. Often is seems impossible in our world today, it seems that we are bound to fail, but through it all we discover that nothing is impossible with God. What will happen to the world if the mission is not accepted, if we cannot find the courage to go forward in faith, if there is no one to be the hero? Let’s hope we never find out. Through our baptism and through the anointing with fire that the Holy Spirit brings to us, each of us has the gifts that are needed to accomplish the apostolic mission that has been entrusted to the Church. The mission is now in our hands, let us live the adventure of faith, the final chapters are still to be written in our lives.