"But you will receive power . . ."

Scripture

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Reflection

These are some of Jesus’ last words to his disciples, just before his Ascension into heaven. He has brought them outside Jerusalem, to Mount Olivet (the Mount of Olives), and promises to send the Holy Spirit in his absence. The Spirit is the impetus and power for the witness to Christ. Jesus does not give us the Spirit so that we can make of it “our own.” Rather, the Spirit is for the sake of mission. When the Church is sent into the world, it goes under the power of the Spirit. The Church is not the Church if it is not sent.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Give us your Spirit and send us into the world with the Good News of your love. Amen.