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"Welcome to our daily encounter with the Word of God! Today, we contemplate a central moment of the Christian faith: the Ascension of the Lord and the sending forth of the mission. Today's readings—Acts of the Apostles (1:1-11), Ephesians (1:17-23), and the Gospel of Matthew (28:16-20)—lead us to understand that Christ, exalted at the right hand of the Father, does not abandon us, but sends us into the world with authority and promise. We are called to live with hope, firm in faith and committed to the mission of proclaiming the Gospel to all nations. Jesus ascends to heaven, but remains with us, guiding his Church and strengthening those who continue his work on earth.
First Reading (Acts 1:1-11):
In this beginning of the book of Acts of the Apostles, Saint Luke narrates the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. After instructing the disciples and promising the Holy Spirit, Christ is lifted up before them. The apostles, still full of doubts about the Kingdom, are invited to trust in God's timing and to assume the mission of being witnesses ""to the ends of the earth."" The presence of angels reminds us that Jesus will return, but that, until then, it is time to act, evangelize, and live the faith with courage.
Second Reading (Ephesians 1:17-23):
Saint Paul offers us a profound prayer, asking God to grant wisdom and revelation so that we may fully know Christ. He highlights the greatness of God's power manifested in Jesus, who was resurrected and placed above all authority. Christ is presented as the head of the Church, which is his body. This reading invites us to recognize the sovereignty of Christ and to live united to Him, trusting in the hope to which we have been called.
Gospel (Matthew 28:16-20):
In the Gospel, we find the missionary sending of the disciples. The resurrected Jesus approaches them and declares that he has received all authority in heaven and on earth. He sends them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to live according to his commandments. The final promise — “I will be with you always” — is a source of comfort and strength. This passage reminds us that the Church's mission is universal and continuous, sustained by the living presence of Christ.
These readings invite us to live with our eyes fixed on heaven, but with our feet firmly planted in the mission. We are called to proclaim the Gospel with courage, trusting that Christ reigns and remains with us. May we embrace this mission with faith, hope, and love, being living witnesses of God's presence in the world.
📖 Readings of the Day:
First Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23
Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
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A reading from the book of the acts of
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A reading from the book of the acts of
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A reading from the book of the acts of the apostles. In the first book,
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the apostles. In the first book,
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the apostles. In the first book, Theophilles, I dealt with all that Jesus
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Theophilles, I dealt with all that Jesus
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Theophilles, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was
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did and taught until the day he was
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did and taught until the day he was taken up. After giving instructions
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taken up. After giving instructions
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taken up. After giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles
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through the Holy Spirit to the apostles
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through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen, he presented himself
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whom he had chosen, he presented himself
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whom he had chosen, he presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he
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alive to them by many proofs after he
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alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during
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had suffered, appearing to them during
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had suffered, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom
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40 days and speaking about the kingdom
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40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While meeting with them, he
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of God. While meeting with them, he
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of God. While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from
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enjoined them not to depart from
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enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise
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Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise
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Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father about which you have heard
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of the Father about which you have heard
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of the Father about which you have heard me speak, for John baptized with water,
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me speak, for John baptized with water,
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me speak, for John baptized with water, but in a few days [music] you will be
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but in a few days [music] you will be
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but in a few days [music] you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. When they
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baptized with the Holy Spirit. When they
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baptized with the Holy Spirit. When they had gathered together, they asked him,
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had gathered together, they asked him,
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had gathered together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to
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"Lord, are you at this time going to
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"Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He
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restore the kingdom to Israel?" He
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restore the kingdom to Israel?" He answered them, "It is not for you to
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answered them, "It is not for you to
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answered them, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the
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know the times or seasons that the
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know the times or seasons that the Father has established, but you will
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Father has established, but you will
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Father has established, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes
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receive power when the Holy Spirit comes
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receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses
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upon you, and you will be my witnesses
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upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem throughout Judea and
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in Jerusalem throughout Judea and
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in Jerusalem throughout Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth."
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Samaria and to the ends of the earth."
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Samaria and to the ends of the earth." When he had said this, as they were
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When he had said this, as they were
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When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a
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looking on, he was lifted up, and a
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looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While
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cloud took him from their sight. While
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cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as
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they were looking intently at the sky as
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they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed
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he was going, suddenly two men dressed
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he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.
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in white garments stood beside them.
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in white garments stood beside them. They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you
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They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you
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They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This
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standing there looking at the sky? This
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standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you
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Jesus who has been taken up from you
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Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way
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into heaven will return in the same way
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into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven."
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as you have seen him going into heaven."
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as you have seen him going into heaven." The word of the Lord.
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The word of the Lord.
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The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
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A reading from the letter of St. Paul to
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A reading from the letter of St. Paul to
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A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians. Brothers and sisters, may
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the Ephesians. Brothers and sisters, may
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the Ephesians. Brothers and sisters, may the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
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the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
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the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of
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Father of glory, give you a spirit of
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Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in
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wisdom and revelation resulting in
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wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your
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knowledge of him. May the eyes of your
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knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened that you may know
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hearts be enlightened that you may know
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hearts be enlightened that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his
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what is the hope that belongs to his
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what is the hope that belongs to his call. What are the riches of glory in
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call. What are the riches of glory in
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call. What are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones? And
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his inheritance among the holy ones? And
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his inheritance among the holy ones? And what is the surpassing greatness of his
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what is the surpassing greatness of his
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what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe in accord with
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power for us who believe in accord with
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power for us who believe in accord with the exercise of his great might, which
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the exercise of his great might, which
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the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from
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he worked in Christ, raising him from
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he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead, and seating him at his right
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the dead, and seating him at his right
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the dead, and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every
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hand in the heavens, far above every
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hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and
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principality, authority, power, and
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principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named
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dominion, and every name that is named
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dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age, but also in the
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not only in this age, but also in the
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not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And he put all things
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one to come. And he put all things
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one to come. And he put all things beneath his feet, and gave him as head
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beneath his feet, and gave him as head
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beneath his feet, and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is
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over all things to the church, which is
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over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who
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his body, the fullness of the one who
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his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
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fills all things in every way.
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fills all things in every way. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
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A reading from the Holy Gospel according
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A reading from the Holy Gospel according
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A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. Glory to you, Lord. The
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to St. Matthew. Glory to you, Lord. The
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to St. Matthew. Glory to you, Lord. The 11 disciples went to Galilee to the
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11 disciples went to Galilee to the
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11 disciples went to Galilee to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered
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mountain to which Jesus had ordered
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mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped,
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them. When they saw him, they worshiped,
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them. When they saw him, they worshiped, [music] but they doubted. Then Jesus
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[music] but they doubted. Then Jesus
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[music] but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, "All power
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approached and said to them, "All power
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approached and said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to
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in heaven and on earth has been given to
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in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of
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me. Go therefore and make disciples of
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me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name
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all nations, baptizing them in the name
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all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
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of the Father and of the Son and of the
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of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe
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Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe
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Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And
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all that I have commanded you. And
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all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always until the
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behold, I am with you always until the
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behold, I am with you always until the end of the age." The Gospel of the Lord.
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end of the age." The Gospel of the Lord.
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end of the age." The Gospel of the Lord. More praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
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If this reading touched your heart
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If this reading touched your heart
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If this reading touched your heart today, don't keep this grace to
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today, don't keep this grace to
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today, don't keep this grace to yourself. By commenting or sharing this
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yourself. By commenting or sharing this
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yourself. By commenting or sharing this content, the algorithm understands that
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content, the algorithm understands that
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content, the algorithm understands that this message is important and delivers
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this message is important and delivers
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this message is important and delivers it to more people who may need a word of
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it to more people who may need a word of
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it to more people who may need a word of hope right now. Let's work together to
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hope right now. Let's work together to
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hope right now. Let's work together to bring the gospel to more homes.
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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, there are moments in history that change
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there are moments in history that change
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there are moments in history that change everything. Moments when the before and
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everything. Moments when the before and
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everything. Moments when the before and after are so distinct that we can never
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after are so distinct that we can never
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after are so distinct that we can never look at reality in the same way again.
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look at reality in the same way again.
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look at reality in the same way again. The birth of a child, the death of a
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The birth of a child, the death of a
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The birth of a child, the death of a loved one, the discovery of a
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loved one, the discovery of a
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loved one, the discovery of a revolutionary truth. All these are
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revolutionary truth. All these are
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revolutionary truth. All these are turning points that redirect the course
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turning points that redirect the course
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turning points that redirect the course of our lives.
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of our lives.
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of our lives. Today's readings place us before one of
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Today's readings place us before one of
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Today's readings place us before one of these supreme moments, the ascension of
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these supreme moments, the ascension of
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these supreme moments, the ascension of Christ into heaven and the birth of the
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Christ into heaven and the birth of the
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Christ into heaven and the birth of the church's mission. Luke in the Acts of
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church's mission. Luke in the Acts of
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church's mission. Luke in the Acts of the Apostles presents us with a scene
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the Apostles presents us with a scene
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the Apostles presents us with a scene that seems at first glance to be one of
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that seems at first glance to be one of
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that seems at first glance to be one of farewell and separation. Jesus, after 40
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farewell and separation. Jesus, after 40
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farewell and separation. Jesus, after 40 days appearing to his disciples, proving
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days appearing to his disciples, proving
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days appearing to his disciples, proving to be alive through numerous trials, is
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to be alive through numerous trials, is
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to be alive through numerous trials, is about to leave. The disciples are
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about to leave. The disciples are
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about to leave. The disciples are gathered around him and they ask a
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gathered around him and they ask a
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gathered around him and they ask a question that reveals both their hopes
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question that reveals both their hopes
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question that reveals both their hopes and their limitations.
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and their limitations.
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and their limitations. Lord, are you now going to restore the
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Lord, are you now going to restore the
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Lord, are you now going to restore the kingdom to Israel? What a question laden
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kingdom to Israel? What a question laden
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kingdom to Israel? What a question laden with expectations. They were still bound
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with expectations. They were still bound
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with expectations. They were still bound to a political and nationalistic vision
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to a political and nationalistic vision
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to a political and nationalistic vision of the kingdom of God. They expected a
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of the kingdom of God. They expected a
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of the kingdom of God. They expected a messiah who would expel the Romans,
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messiah who would expel the Romans,
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messiah who would expel the Romans, restore Israel's political sovereignty,
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restore Israel's political sovereignty,
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restore Israel's political sovereignty, and reestablish the glory of the days of
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and reestablish the glory of the days of
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and reestablish the glory of the days of David and Solomon. 40 days of teachings
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David and Solomon. 40 days of teachings
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David and Solomon. 40 days of teachings about the kingdom of God and yet they
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about the kingdom of God and yet they
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about the kingdom of God and yet they had not fully grasped the revolutionary
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had not fully grasped the revolutionary
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had not fully grasped the revolutionary nature of Jesus's mission. How many
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nature of Jesus's mission. How many
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nature of Jesus's mission. How many times have we also fallen into this
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times have we also fallen into this
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times have we also fallen into this trap? We want God to fit our
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trap? We want God to fit our
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trap? We want God to fit our expectations to solve our problems in
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expectations to solve our problems in
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expectations to solve our problems in the way we think is best to establish
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the way we think is best to establish
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the way we think is best to establish his kingdom according to our limited
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his kingdom according to our limited
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his kingdom according to our limited vision. We want a God who serves us when
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vision. We want a God who serves us when
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vision. We want a God who serves us when in fact we are called to serve God and
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in fact we are called to serve God and
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in fact we are called to serve God and his greater purpose. Jesus answer is
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his greater purpose. Jesus answer is
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his greater purpose. Jesus answer is gentle but firm. It is not for you to
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gentle but firm. It is not for you to
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gentle but firm. It is not for you to know the times or dates the father has
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know the times or dates the father has
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know the times or dates the father has set by his own authority. Jesus is
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set by his own authority. Jesus is
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set by his own authority. Jesus is essentially saying you are asking the
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essentially saying you are asking the
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essentially saying you are asking the wrong question. What matters is not when
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wrong question. What matters is not when
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wrong question. What matters is not when but how. How you will live, how you will
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but how. How you will live, how you will
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but how. How you will live, how you will witness, how you will take my message to
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witness, how you will take my message to
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witness, how you will take my message to the world. And then comes the promise
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the world. And then comes the promise
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the world. And then comes the promise that changes everything. You will
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that changes everything. You will
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that changes everything. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes
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receive power when the Holy Spirit comes
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receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. And you will be my witnesses in
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on you. And you will be my witnesses in
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on you. And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria
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Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria
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Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Reflect on
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and to the ends of the earth. Reflect on
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and to the ends of the earth. Reflect on the magnitude of this statement. Jesus
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the magnitude of this statement. Jesus
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the magnitude of this statement. Jesus is not calling just a select few to a
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is not calling just a select few to a
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is not calling just a select few to a special mission. He is commissioning the
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special mission. He is commissioning the
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special mission. He is commissioning the entire body of believers, including each
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entire body of believers, including each
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entire body of believers, including each of us here today, to be his witnesses.
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of us here today, to be his witnesses.
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of us here today, to be his witnesses. Not just in our comfortable circle of
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Not just in our comfortable circle of
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Not just in our comfortable circle of friends and family, our Jerusalem, but
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friends and family, our Jerusalem, but
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friends and family, our Jerusalem, but beyond to those who are different from
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beyond to those who are different from
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beyond to those who are different from us, our Samaria, and finally to the ends
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us, our Samaria, and finally to the ends
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us, our Samaria, and finally to the ends of the earth. But notice this calling
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of the earth. But notice this calling
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of the earth. But notice this calling comes with a promise of power. We will
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comes with a promise of power. We will
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comes with a promise of power. We will not be sent alone or unprepared.
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not be sent alone or unprepared.
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not be sent alone or unprepared. We will receive power when the Holy
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We will receive power when the Holy
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We will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. This is not human
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Spirit comes on you. This is not human
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Spirit comes on you. This is not human strength, not our own ability or talent.
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strength, not our own ability or talent.
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strength, not our own ability or talent. It is the divine power that transforms
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It is the divine power that transforms
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It is the divine power that transforms fishermen into preachers, cowards into
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fishermen into preachers, cowards into
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fishermen into preachers, cowards into martyrs, sinners into saints. After
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martyrs, sinners into saints. After
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martyrs, sinners into saints. After saying this, Jesus is taken up into
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saying this, Jesus is taken up into
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saying this, Jesus is taken up into heaven. The disciples remain there
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heaven. The disciples remain there
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heaven. The disciples remain there looking up, probably in shock, perhaps
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looking up, probably in shock, perhaps
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looking up, probably in shock, perhaps in denial. And then two men dressed in
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in denial. And then two men dressed in
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in denial. And then two men dressed in white appear with a crucial message. Men
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white appear with a crucial message. Men
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white appear with a crucial message. Men of Galilee, why do you stand here
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of Galilee, why do you stand here
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of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up into the sky? What a gentle
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looking up into the sky? What a gentle
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looking up into the sky? What a gentle yet necessary rebuke. There is a time
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yet necessary rebuke. There is a time
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yet necessary rebuke. There is a time for contemplation, for worship, for
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for contemplation, for worship, for
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for contemplation, for worship, for looking to heaven. But there is also a
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looking to heaven. But there is also a
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looking to heaven. But there is also a time for action, for living the mission,
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time for action, for living the mission,
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time for action, for living the mission, for being witnesses here on earth. We
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for being witnesses here on earth. We
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for being witnesses here on earth. We cannot spend our lives just looking up,
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cannot spend our lives just looking up,
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cannot spend our lives just looking up, waiting for Jesus to return. We have
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waiting for Jesus to return. We have
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waiting for Jesus to return. We have work to do, a mission to fulfill. Paul
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work to do, a mission to fulfill. Paul
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work to do, a mission to fulfill. Paul writing to the Ephesians helps us
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writing to the Ephesians helps us
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writing to the Ephesians helps us understand the magnitude of what
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understand the magnitude of what
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understand the magnitude of what happened at the ascension. He prays that
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happened at the ascension. He prays that
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happened at the ascension. He prays that we may have a spirit of wisdom and
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we may have a spirit of wisdom and
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we may have a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the full knowledge of him.
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revelation in the full knowledge of him.
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revelation in the full knowledge of him. Paul knows that without divine
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Paul knows that without divine
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Paul knows that without divine illumination, we cannot truly understand
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illumination, we cannot truly understand
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illumination, we cannot truly understand who Christ is and what he accomplished.
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who Christ is and what he accomplished.
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who Christ is and what he accomplished. He speaks of the eyes of your hearts
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He speaks of the eyes of your hearts
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He speaks of the eyes of your hearts being enlightened. What a beautiful
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being enlightened. What a beautiful
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being enlightened. What a beautiful expression. It is not only our physical
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expression. It is not only our physical
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expression. It is not only our physical eyes that need vision but the eyes of
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eyes that need vision but the eyes of
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eyes that need vision but the eyes of the heart, our deep understanding, our
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the heart, our deep understanding, our
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the heart, our deep understanding, our spiritual perception. And what should we
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spiritual perception. And what should we
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spiritual perception. And what should we see with these enlightened eyes? First
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see with these enlightened eyes? First
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see with these enlightened eyes? First we must see what is the hope to which
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we must see what is the hope to which
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we must see what is the hope to which you were called. This is not a vague
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you were called. This is not a vague
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you were called. This is not a vague hope or superficial optimism. It is the
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hope or superficial optimism. It is the
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hope or superficial optimism. It is the confident assurance that we are part of
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confident assurance that we are part of
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confident assurance that we are part of something greater than ourselves. that
8:08
something greater than ourselves. that
8:08
something greater than ourselves. that our life has an eternal purpose that we
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our life has an eternal purpose that we
8:11
our life has an eternal purpose that we are destined for eternal communion with
8:13
are destined for eternal communion with
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are destined for eternal communion with God. Second, we must understand what are
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God. Second, we must understand what are
8:17
God. Second, we must understand what are the riches of the glory of the
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the riches of the glory of the
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the riches of the glory of the inheritance that God has reserved for
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inheritance that God has reserved for
8:20
inheritance that God has reserved for the saints. We are heirs not of earthly
8:23
the saints. We are heirs not of earthly
8:24
the saints. We are heirs not of earthly possessions or perishable riches, but of
8:26
possessions or perishable riches, but of
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possessions or perishable riches, but of God's eternal glory. When we truly
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God's eternal glory. When we truly
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God's eternal glory. When we truly understand this, how can we be overly
8:32
understand this, how can we be overly
8:32
understand this, how can we be overly concerned with the temporal things of
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concerned with the temporal things of
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concerned with the temporal things of this world? Third, Paul wants us to know
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this world? Third, Paul wants us to know
8:37
this world? Third, Paul wants us to know what is the surpassing greatness of his
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what is the surpassing greatness of his
8:39
what is the surpassing greatness of his power toward us. The same power that
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power toward us. The same power that
8:41
power toward us. The same power that raised Christ from the dead. The same
8:43
raised Christ from the dead. The same
8:43
raised Christ from the dead. The same power that exalted him above all
8:45
power that exalted him above all
8:45
power that exalted him above all principality and authority. This same
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principality and authority. This same
8:47
principality and authority. This same power is available to us. Not for our
8:50
power is available to us. Not for our
8:50
power is available to us. Not for our own arandisement, but to fulfill the
8:52
own arandisement, but to fulfill the
8:52
own arandisement, but to fulfill the mission he has given us. Paul culminates
8:55
mission he has given us. Paul culminates
8:55
mission he has given us. Paul culminates with a profound statement. God put all
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with a profound statement. God put all
8:58
with a profound statement. God put all things under his feet and appointed him
8:59
things under his feet and appointed him
8:59
things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the
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to be head over everything for the
9:01
to be head over everything for the church which is his body. The fullness
9:03
church which is his body. The fullness
9:03
church which is his body. The fullness of him who fills everything in every
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of him who fills everything in every
9:06
of him who fills everything in every way. Christ is the head and we are his
9:10
way. Christ is the head and we are his
9:10
way. Christ is the head and we are his body. What an incredible responsibility.
9:14
body. What an incredible responsibility.
9:14
body. What an incredible responsibility. As the body expresses the will of the
9:15
As the body expresses the will of the
9:16
As the body expresses the will of the head, so we must express the will of
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head, so we must express the will of
9:18
head, so we must express the will of Christ in the world. We are called to be
9:21
Christ in the world. We are called to be
9:21
Christ in the world. We are called to be the tangible presence of Christ in our
9:23
the tangible presence of Christ in our
9:23
the tangible presence of Christ in our time and place. And this leads us to the
9:25
time and place. And this leads us to the
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time and place. And this leads us to the Gospel of Matthew where we find the
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Gospel of Matthew where we find the
9:28
Gospel of Matthew where we find the great commission. The 11 disciples go to
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great commission. The 11 disciples go to
9:30
great commission. The 11 disciples go to the mountain in Galilee as Jesus had
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the mountain in Galilee as Jesus had
9:33
the mountain in Galilee as Jesus had commanded. Matthew tells us a
9:35
commanded. Matthew tells us a
9:35
commanded. Matthew tells us a fascinating detail. When they saw him,
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fascinating detail. When they saw him,
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fascinating detail. When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted.
9:41
they worshiped him, but some doubted.
9:41
they worshiped him, but some doubted. This small detail is deeply comforting.
9:43
This small detail is deeply comforting.
9:43
This small detail is deeply comforting. Even in the face of the resurrected
9:45
Even in the face of the resurrected
9:45
Even in the face of the resurrected presence of Christ, even after all they
9:47
presence of Christ, even after all they
9:47
presence of Christ, even after all they had experienced, some still doubted.
9:50
had experienced, some still doubted.
9:50
had experienced, some still doubted. This reminds us that faith and doubt
9:52
This reminds us that faith and doubt
9:52
This reminds us that faith and doubt often coexist.
9:54
often coexist.
9:54
often coexist. We don't need to have all the answers.
9:56
We don't need to have all the answers.
9:56
We don't need to have all the answers. We don't need to be absolutely certain
9:58
We don't need to be absolutely certain
9:58
We don't need to be absolutely certain of everything to follow Christ. He
10:00
of everything to follow Christ. He
10:00
of everything to follow Christ. He accepts us with our doubts and works
10:02
accepts us with our doubts and works
10:02
accepts us with our doubts and works through us nonetheless. Jesus approaches
10:05
through us nonetheless. Jesus approaches
10:05
through us nonetheless. Jesus approaches and speaks with supreme authority. All
10:08
and speaks with supreme authority. All
10:08
and speaks with supreme authority. All authority in heaven and on earth has
10:10
authority in heaven and on earth has
10:10
authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. This is not arrogance.
10:13
been given to me. This is not arrogance.
10:13
been given to me. This is not arrogance. It is the declaration of the fundamental
10:15
It is the declaration of the fundamental
10:15
It is the declaration of the fundamental truth of the universe. Christ is Lord of
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truth of the universe. Christ is Lord of
10:18
truth of the universe. Christ is Lord of all. There is no area of life, no
10:21
all. There is no area of life, no
10:21
all. There is no area of life, no situation, no power that is outside his
10:24
situation, no power that is outside his
10:24
situation, no power that is outside his authority. [music] And it is from this
10:26
authority. [music] And it is from this
10:26
authority. [music] And it is from this position of absolute authority that he
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position of absolute authority that he
10:29
position of absolute authority that he commissions us. Go therefore and make
10:31
commissions us. Go therefore and make
10:31
commissions us. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
10:34
disciples of all nations, baptizing them
10:34
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
10:36
in the name of the Father and of the Son
10:36
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to
10:39
and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to
10:39
and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
10:41
observe all that I have commanded you.
10:41
observe all that I have commanded you. This is not an invitation. It is a
10:43
This is not an invitation. It is a
10:43
This is not an invitation. It is a command. Go is not a suggestion for
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command. Go is not a suggestion for
10:46
command. Go is not a suggestion for those who feel especially called or
10:48
those who feel especially called or
10:48
those who feel especially called or qualified. It is a command for all who
10:51
qualified. It is a command for all who
10:51
qualified. It is a command for all who follow Christ. And the goal is not just
10:53
follow Christ. And the goal is not just
10:53
follow Christ. And the goal is not just to make converts but to make disciples,
10:55
to make converts but to make disciples,
10:56
to make converts but to make disciples, people who learn, grow and are
10:58
people who learn, grow and are
10:58
people who learn, grow and are transformed into the image of Christ.
11:00
transformed into the image of Christ.
11:00
transformed into the image of Christ. But notice the breadth of this
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But notice the breadth of this
11:02
But notice the breadth of this commission. All nations, not just our
11:05
commission. All nations, not just our
11:05
commission. All nations, not just our ethnic group, not just our social class,
11:07
ethnic group, not just our social class,
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ethnic group, not just our social class, not just those who are like us, all
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not just those who are like us, all
11:09
not just those who are like us, all nations, all peoples, all of humanity.
11:12
nations, all peoples, all of humanity.
11:12
nations, all peoples, all of humanity. God's love knows no boundaries.
11:15
God's love knows no boundaries.
11:15
God's love knows no boundaries. And how do we do this? Through baptism.
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And how do we do this? Through baptism.
11:17
And how do we do this? Through baptism. [music]
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[music]
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[music] Incorporating people into God's family
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Incorporating people into God's family
11:20
Incorporating people into God's family and through teaching, helping them grow
11:21
and through teaching, helping them grow
11:21
and through teaching, helping them grow in understanding and obedience. This is
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in understanding and obedience. This is
11:24
in understanding and obedience. This is the essence of disciplehip. Not just
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the essence of disciplehip. Not just
11:27
the essence of disciplehip. Not just transmitting information, but
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transmitting information, but
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transmitting information, but transforming lives.
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transforming lives.
11:31
transforming lives. My dear brothers and sisters, these
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My dear brothers and sisters, these
11:33
My dear brothers and sisters, these readings are not merely historical
11:35
readings are not merely historical
11:35
readings are not merely historical accounts of past events. They are a
11:37
accounts of past events. They are a
11:37
accounts of past events. They are a living call to each of us today. The
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living call to each of us today. The
11:40
living call to each of us today. The same mission Jesus gave to the disciples
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same mission Jesus gave to the disciples
11:42
same mission Jesus gave to the disciples 2,000 years ago, he gives to us today.
11:45
2,000 years ago, he gives to us today.
11:45
2,000 years ago, he gives to us today. The same promise of the power of the
11:46
The same promise of the power of the
11:46
The same promise of the power of the Holy Spirit is available to us. The same
11:49
Holy Spirit is available to us. The same
11:49
Holy Spirit is available to us. The same authority of Christ commissions and
11:51
authority of Christ commissions and
11:51
authority of Christ commissions and empowers us. So what should our response
11:54
empowers us. So what should our response
11:54
empowers us. So what should our response be? We cannot remain looking to heaven,
11:57
be? We cannot remain looking to heaven,
11:57
be? We cannot remain looking to heaven, lost in passive contemplation or waiting
12:00
lost in passive contemplation or waiting
12:00
lost in passive contemplation or waiting for someone else to fulfill the mission.
12:02
for someone else to fulfill the mission.
12:02
for someone else to fulfill the mission. [music] We are called to action. Perhaps
12:05
[music] We are called to action. Perhaps
12:05
[music] We are called to action. Perhaps you're thinking, "But I'm not qualified.
12:08
you're thinking, "But I'm not qualified.
12:08
you're thinking, "But I'm not qualified. I'm not a theologian. I'm not a
12:09
I'm not a theologian. I'm not a
12:09
I'm not a theologian. I'm not a preacher. I don't have special gifts.
12:12
preacher. I don't have special gifts.
12:12
preacher. I don't have special gifts. Remember that the first disciples were
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Remember that the first disciples were
12:14
Remember that the first disciples were ordinary fishermen, tax collectors,
12:17
ordinary fishermen, tax collectors,
12:17
ordinary fishermen, tax collectors, simple people without formal education.
12:19
simple people without formal education.
12:19
simple people without formal education. What empowered them was not their
12:21
What empowered them was not their
12:21
What empowered them was not their natural talent, but the power of the
12:23
natural talent, but the power of the
12:23
natural talent, but the power of the Holy Spirit. Or perhaps you're thinking,
12:26
Holy Spirit. Or perhaps you're thinking,
12:26
Holy Spirit. Or perhaps you're thinking, "But I have doubts. My faith isn't
12:27
"But I have doubts. My faith isn't
12:27
"But I have doubts. My faith isn't strong enough." Remember that even in
12:30
strong enough." Remember that even in
12:30
strong enough." Remember that even in the face of the resurrected Christ, some
12:32
the face of the resurrected Christ, some
12:32
the face of the resurrected Christ, some doubted. God can work through our
12:34
doubted. God can work through our
12:34
doubted. God can work through our imperfect faith and our honest doubts.
12:37
imperfect faith and our honest doubts.
12:37
imperfect faith and our honest doubts. The mission begins where you are. Your
12:39
The mission begins where you are. Your
12:39
The mission begins where you are. Your Jerusalem can be your own home, your
12:41
Jerusalem can be your own home, your
12:41
Jerusalem can be your own home, your family. Your Judea can be your
12:43
family. Your Judea can be your
12:43
family. Your Judea can be your workplace, your school. Your Samaria can
12:45
workplace, your school. Your Samaria can
12:45
workplace, your school. Your Samaria can be that difficult neighbor, that
12:47
be that difficult neighbor, that
12:47
be that difficult neighbor, that colleague you avoid, that group of
12:49
colleague you avoid, that group of
12:49
colleague you avoid, that group of people you consider too different. And
12:52
people you consider too different. And
12:52
people you consider too different. And the ends of the earth. Well, we live in
12:54
the ends of the earth. Well, we live in
12:54
the ends of the earth. Well, we live in a connected world where we can impact
12:56
a connected world where we can impact
12:56
a connected world where we can impact lives on the other side of the planet
12:58
lives on the other side of the planet
12:58
lives on the other side of the planet through our prayers, our support, our
13:00
through our prayers, our support, our
13:00
through our prayers, our support, our generosity.
13:02
generosity.
13:02
generosity. Being a witness for Christ doesn't
13:04
Being a witness for Christ doesn't
13:04
Being a witness for Christ doesn't necessarily mean preaching sermons on
13:06
necessarily mean preaching sermons on
13:06
necessarily mean preaching sermons on street corners or handing out pamphlets.
13:09
street corners or handing out pamphlets.
13:09
street corners or handing out pamphlets. It means living in such a way that our
13:10
It means living in such a way that our
13:10
It means living in such a way that our lives point to Christ. It means loving
13:13
lives point to Christ. It means loving
13:13
lives point to Christ. It means loving when it would be easier to hate.
13:15
when it would be easier to hate.
13:15
when it would be easier to hate. Forgiving when it would be more natural
13:17
Forgiving when it would be more natural
13:17
Forgiving when it would be more natural to hold grudges, serving when we could
13:19
to hold grudges, serving when we could
13:19
to hold grudges, serving when we could demand to be served. Giving hope when
13:21
demand to be served. Giving hope when
13:22
demand to be served. Giving hope when despair seems justified.
13:24
despair seems justified.
13:24
despair seems justified. Every act of kindness, every word of
13:27
Every act of kindness, every word of
13:27
Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every moment of patience
13:29
encouragement, every moment of patience
13:29
encouragement, every moment of patience in difficult circumstances, every
13:31
in difficult circumstances, every
13:32
in difficult circumstances, every gesture of generosity, all these are
13:34
gesture of generosity, all these are
13:34
gesture of generosity, all these are forms of witness. When we live according
13:37
forms of witness. When we live according
13:37
forms of witness. When we live according to the values of the kingdom of God in a
13:39
to the values of the kingdom of God in a
13:39
to the values of the kingdom of God in a world that operates on different
13:40
world that operates on different
13:40
world that operates on different principles, we become living letters of
13:43
principles, we become living letters of
13:43
principles, we become living letters of Christ read by everyone around us and
13:46
Christ read by everyone around us and
13:46
Christ read by everyone around us and remember Jesus's final promise. And
13:48
remember Jesus's final promise. And
13:48
remember Jesus's final promise. And surely I am with you always to the very
13:51
surely I am with you always to the very
13:51
surely I am with you always to the very end of the age. We are not alone in this
13:54
end of the age. We are not alone in this
13:54
end of the age. We are not alone in this mission. Christ is with us. Not
13:56
mission. Christ is with us. Not
13:56
mission. Christ is with us. Not occasionally, not just in special
13:58
occasionally, not just in special
13:58
occasionally, not just in special moments, but every day. On good days
14:01
moments, but every day. On good days
14:01
moments, but every day. On good days when everything seems to flow easily
14:03
when everything seems to flow easily
14:03
when everything seems to flow easily [music] and on difficult days when we
14:05
[music] and on difficult days when we
14:05
[music] and on difficult days when we want to give up. On the mountains of
14:07
want to give up. On the mountains of
14:07
want to give up. On the mountains of victory and in the valleys of defeat
14:10
victory and in the valleys of defeat
14:10
victory and in the valleys of defeat always [music] until the end.
14:13
always [music] until the end.
14:13
always [music] until the end. This promise transforms everything. It
14:15
This promise transforms everything. It
14:15
This promise transforms everything. It means that when we face opposition, we
14:17
means that when we face opposition, we
14:18
means that when we face opposition, we are not alone. When we feel inadequate,
14:20
are not alone. When we feel inadequate,
14:20
are not alone. When we feel inadequate, he is with us with his sufficiency. When
14:23
he is with us with his sufficiency. When
14:23
he is with us with his sufficiency. When we are weary, he is our strength. When
14:26
we are weary, he is our strength. When
14:26
we are weary, he is our strength. When we are confused, he is our wisdom. When
14:29
we are confused, he is our wisdom. When
14:29
we are confused, he is our wisdom. When we are afraid, he is our courage. Dear
14:32
we are afraid, he is our courage. Dear
14:32
we are afraid, he is our courage. Dear brothers and sisters, today at this
14:34
brothers and sisters, today at this
14:34
brothers and sisters, today at this moment, we are called to make a choice.
14:36
moment, we are called to make a choice.
14:36
moment, we are called to make a choice. We can remain gazing at the sky, trapped
14:38
We can remain gazing at the sky, trapped
14:38
We can remain gazing at the sky, trapped in passivity, or we can accept the
14:41
in passivity, or we can accept the
14:41
in passivity, or we can accept the commission, receive the power of the
14:42
commission, receive the power of the
14:42
commission, receive the power of the spirit, and go forth as witnesses for
14:45
spirit, and go forth as witnesses for
14:45
spirit, and go forth as witnesses for Christ in the world. Do not
14:47
Christ in the world. Do not
14:47
Christ in the world. Do not underestimate the impact a life
14:49
underestimate the impact a life
14:49
underestimate the impact a life transformed by Christ can have. A lit
14:51
transformed by Christ can have. A lit
14:51
transformed by Christ can have. A lit candle in a dark room may seem small,
14:53
candle in a dark room may seem small,
14:53
candle in a dark room may seem small, but its light is unmistakable.
14:55
but its light is unmistakable.
14:55
but its light is unmistakable. A grain of salt may seem insignificant,
14:58
A grain of salt may seem insignificant,
14:58
A grain of salt may seem insignificant, but its effect is disproportionate to
15:00
but its effect is disproportionate to
15:00
but its effect is disproportionate to its size. A mustard seed is the smallest
15:03
its size. A mustard seed is the smallest
15:03
its size. A mustard seed is the smallest of seeds, but it grows into a large
15:05
of seeds, but it grows into a large
15:05
of seeds, but it grows into a large tree. Similarly, when we live faithfully
15:08
tree. Similarly, when we live faithfully
15:08
tree. Similarly, when we live faithfully as witnesses for Christ, the impact
15:10
as witnesses for Christ, the impact
15:10
as witnesses for Christ, the impact multiplies in ways we could never
15:12
multiplies in ways we could never
15:12
multiplies in ways we could never foresee. A kind word can change the
15:15
foresee. A kind word can change the
15:15
foresee. A kind word can change the course of a difficult day for someone.
15:17
course of a difficult day for someone.
15:17
course of a difficult day for someone. An act of kindness can plant a seed of
15:19
An act of kindness can plant a seed of
15:20
An act of kindness can plant a seed of hope in a desperate heart. An example of
15:23
hope in a desperate heart. An example of
15:23
hope in a desperate heart. An example of integrity can inspire others to live
15:25
integrity can inspire others to live
15:25
integrity can inspire others to live differently. May we be a community that
15:28
differently. May we be a community that
15:28
differently. May we be a community that not only looks to heaven but actively
15:30
not only looks to heaven but actively
15:30
not only looks to heaven but actively lives out Christ's mission. May we be
15:33
lives out Christ's mission. May we be
15:33
lives out Christ's mission. May we be known not only for our beliefs but for
15:35
known not only for our beliefs but for
15:35
known not only for our beliefs but for our love. May we be faithful witnesses
15:38
our love. May we be faithful witnesses
15:38
our love. May we be faithful witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, [music]
15:41
in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, [music]
15:41
in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, [music] and to the ends of the earth. And may we
15:43
and to the ends of the earth. And may we
15:43
and to the ends of the earth. And may we live in the confidence of Christ's
15:45
live in the confidence of Christ's
15:45
live in the confidence of Christ's promise. He is with us today, tomorrow,
15:48
promise. He is with us today, tomorrow,
15:48
promise. He is with us today, tomorrow, and forever until the end of time. With
15:50
and forever until the end of time. With
15:50
and forever until the end of time. With this risen Lord at our side, with the
15:53
this risen Lord at our side, with the
15:53
this risen Lord at our side, with the power of the Holy Spirit within us, with
15:55
power of the Holy Spirit within us, with
15:55
power of the Holy Spirit within us, with the authority of heaven and earth
15:56
the authority of heaven and earth
15:56
the authority of heaven and earth commissioning us, there is no limit to
15:58
commissioning us, there is no limit to
15:58
commissioning us, there is no limit to what God can do through our lives.
16:01
what God can do through our lives.
16:01
what God can do through our lives. Therefore, go live as witnesses, love as
16:05
Therefore, go live as witnesses, love as
16:05
Therefore, go live as witnesses, love as Christ loved, serve as he served and see
16:09
Christ loved, serve as he served and see
16:09
Christ loved, serve as he served and see how God transforms the world through
16:11
how God transforms the world through
16:11
how God transforms the world through you. May the grace of the Lord Jesus
16:13
you. May the grace of the Lord Jesus
16:13
you. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and
16:15
Christ, the love of God the Father, and
16:15
Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be
16:18
the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be
16:18
the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, empowering you, guiding
16:20
with you all, empowering you, guiding
16:20
with you all, empowering you, guiding you, and sustaining you in your mission
16:22
you, and sustaining you in your mission
16:22
you, and sustaining you in your mission today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen.
16:29
Leave your amen or prayer request in the
16:31
Leave your amen or prayer request in the
16:31
Leave your amen or prayer request in the comments below. Our community is a space
16:33
comments below. Our community is a space
16:33
comments below. Our community is a space for intercession, and by interacting
16:35
for intercession, and by interacting
16:35
for intercession, and by interacting with the video, you help the channel
16:37
with the video, you help the channel
16:37
with the video, you help the channel grow so we can continue our daily
16:40
grow so we can continue our daily
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grow so we can continue our daily journey through the word.
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journey through the word.
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journey through the word. May God bless your generosity in helping
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May God bless your generosity in helping
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May God bless your generosity in helping us spread the light of Christ.
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St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in
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St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in
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St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the
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battle. Be our protection against the
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battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May
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wickedness and snares of the devil. May
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wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do
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God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do
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God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by
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thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by
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thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan
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the power of God, cast into hell Satan
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the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl
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and all the evil spirits who prowl
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and all the evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of
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throughout the world seeking the ruin of
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throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.