Ascension Sunday (B) 2024
INTRO:

For those of us who have seen or have run in a relay race, the critical moment in the race is the passing of the baton.

More relay races are won or lost at that moment, the passing of the baton.

Today’s Feast of the Ascension of the Lord can be compared to the passing of the baton in a relay race – from Jesus to us – through the disciples.

Some two thousand years ago, Jesus passed the baton of responsibility FOR the Kingdom to his followers.

He commissioned them to CONTINUE the work he had begun.

“GO INTO THE WHOLE WORLD AND PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL.”

That commission is made clear in today’s readings.

This is the Great Commission with which we have been entrusted!
And as faithful followers of the Lord it is our MISSION to not only carry the baton but, to pass …. The baton.

We are the important and now key figures in the living and proclaiming of the Good News of Jesus Christ and it is up to us, every one of us, to pass the baton so that everyone gets the Good News!

The Great Commission comes to US and at any age and at every age we are to live it and proclaim it; that is, to carry in our lives the teachings of JESUS CHRIST and subsequently teach others to live in His fashion…… that is passing the baton!

CONCLUSION:

AND, just what is the “BATON” that we pass????
It is:
LOVE
KEEP OTHERS FIRST
MAKE NO JUDGEMENTS
FORGIVE OTHERS
PRAY DAILY
LISTEN
BE KIND
And so on……

LIVE THE EXAMPLE OF THE SELFLESS JESUS EACH AND EVERYDAY.