Sent into the world

On this Seventh Sunday of Easter, western Christianity traditionally commemorates Ascension Day which was on Thursday, May 17. It was on that 40^{th day after the Resurrection that Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11).}

The Lessons for this Sunday speak about witnessing – or testimony – and Jesus' followers' role in the world. In the First Lesson, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, the Apostles elected Matthias in the place of Judas Iscariot "to become a witness with us to his (Jesus') resurrection". The Apostles' were called to bear witness to Jesus' resurrection.

In the Second Reading from 1 John 5:9-13, the writer points out that Jesus' teaching was testimony from God, and believers, consequently bear God's testimony in their hearts. In many ways, this is reassurance to every believer that faith in Jesus comes from God.

The second role of the Apostles, and every believer, can be seen in Jesus' prayer in the Gospel Reading from John 17:6-19. "I am no longer in the world, but they are...I am not asking you to take them out of the world...As you have sent me...so I have sent them..." The task of continuing Jesus' ministry, here on earth, now resides in his followers.

These two roles go hand in hand.

Jesus touched individuals and transformed them and society. Today, each one of us is called, first to be transformed, and then help transform our society. In so doing we bear witness to Jesus and his truth which is in us.

That is, really, what discipleship is all about.