Daily Scripture, June 1, 2025
Scripture:
Acts 1:1-11
Ephesians 1:17-23
Luke 24:46-53
Reflection:
The scene for today’s Gospel is the town of Bethany where Jesus gives his final words to the disciples—a reminder of the saving power of His death and resurrection and the promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit. He blesses them one last time and is gone from their sight. Luke tells us that the disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy and preached daily in the temple. What a change from Good Friday when most of the disciples hid in fear and shame!
How does the Ascension fit into the stories of Easter and Pentecost? This is the completion of the miracle which began with the incarnation and birth of Jesus. God came to earth as man and now God and man returns to heaven. For all eternity, this fully divine, fully human person is part of the Trinity. The Ascension is not about escaping Earth but uniting heaven and Earth in a new reality where our humanity is fulfilled in God.
The Ascension is also a call to action. After Jesus is gone, two men appear and ask the disciples why they are standing there looking at the sky. The time for standing is finished. The time for the mission has come. The disciples must now carry on the ministry that Jesus began on earth. We, too, on this feast of the Ascension, are called to mission: to get busy uniting heaven and earth! If that call seems overwhelming, remember that, like the disciples, we will find our strength in the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Mike Owens is the coordinator of the Passionist Alumni Association and a member of the Migration Commission of Holy Cross Province. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
Scripture:Sirach 17:20-24Mark 10:17-27Reflection:Today, we are privileged to hear a gospel that many believe has inspired ordinary folk, saints and founders throughout history to take radical action for the sake of » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Sirach 27:4-71 Corinthians 15:54-58Luke 6:39-45Reflection:Has anyone ever told you the story about when an airplane is in trouble, each passenger is instructed to put on their own oxygen mask first » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Sirach 17:1-15Mark 10:13-16Reflection:Today’s readings could seem to be a paradox, which is a self-contradictory statement or situation.The book of Sirach, sometimes called Ecclesiasticus, is part of the wisdom tradition in » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Sirach 6:5-17Mark 10:1-12Reflection:During my time serving in parish ministry as a pastoral associate, one of my treasured experiences would be the opportunity to prepare couples for their marriage. Every couple » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Sirach 5:1-8Mark 9:41-50Reflection:In our first reading from Sirach, the author says, “Delay not your conversion to the Lord.” This is toward the end of our reading, but what has gone » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Sirach 4:11-19Mark 9:38-40Reflection:Wisdom. We do not often enough reflect on this virtue. We are more familiar with “Faith, Hope, and Love.” But wisdom in today’s reading from Sirach is full » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Sirach 2:1-11Mark 9:30-37Reflection:In the Crucible of HumiliationSome time ago I had a layover in the Denver airport. To pass the time I wandered over to a bookstore and noticed the » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Sirach 1:1-10Mark 9:14-29Reflection:Encountering ChristI have often thought about some of the most impressive people I have encountered. It had to be Cardinal Ratzinger. Years ago he came to our monastery » Continue Reading.
Scripture:1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-231 Corinthians 15:45-49Luke 6:27-38Reflection:In the midst of political divisions in our country and in the world, including war and violence, in the midst of people » Continue Reading.
Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the ApostleScripture:1 Peter 5:1-4Matthew 16:13-19Reflection:So much of today’s readings reference shepherding. Psalm 23, with its familiar and comforting words, reassures us of God’s love » Continue Reading.