"We are a community of disciples inspired by the Holy Spirit to be living witnesses for transformation in Christ to bring about a world of justice, human development and true peace."

Word Sharing Circle (WSC) Reflection Guide
May 17, 2026 (Cycle A, Year II) – Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Community Word: The Holy Spirit empowers us to proclaim the Good News.
Theme: We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the mission entrusted to us by Christ.
Promise: “… I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt 28:20)

Reflection
The Ascension of the Lord marks the completion of Jesus’ earthly mission and His glorious return to the Father. While Christ ascends into heaven, He does not abandon His disciples. Instead, He entrusts them with a mission and promises the power of the Holy Spirit to continue His saving work on earth. The Ascension reminds us that as Christ’s disciples we are called and sent to proclaim the Good News with faith, courage, and zeal.

We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the mission entrusted to us by Christ. Our calling to evangelize and serve does not rely merely on human abilities or personal strength. God Himself equips us with wisdom, courage, and perseverance through the Holy Spirit. In moments of fear, weakness, or uncertainty, the Spirit strengthens us to remain faithful and to become living witnesses of Christ’s love and mercy.

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the promise of the Father, assuring them: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” This reminds us that God never sends us into mission alone. The Holy Spirit accompanies, guides, and empowers us in our daily witnessing. Like the early disciples, we are called to proclaim Christ not only through words, but also through a life of faith, compassion, humility, and service.

In the second reading, St. Paul teaches us that God enlightens our hearts with “a Spirit of wisdom and revelation” so that we may truly know Him and understand the hope to which He calls us. Amid life’s distractions and struggles, we can easily become focused only on earthly concerns. Yet the Lord continually invites us to lift our eyes toward His greater purpose. The same divine power that raised Christ from the dead is at work within us, enabling us to live courageously and faithfully as His disciples.
Jesus commissions His followers: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” This missionary mandate calls us to actively participate in evangelization through our community life and ministries. Through activities such as Life in the Spirit Seminars, Marriage Encounter, Family Encounter, Singles Encounter, and Solo Parents programs, we become instruments in bringing others closer to Christ. True discipleship is not only about teaching the faith but also about living it through love, forgiveness, unity, and humble service.

Most consoling of all is Jesus’ promise: “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” In every mission, challenge, and trial, the Lord remains present. With this assurance, we can continue serving Him with confidence, trusting that He will sustain and strengthen us each day.

Prayer
Loving Father, we thank You for calling us to share in the mission of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Pour out upon us the Holy Spirit, that we may live as faithful witnesses of Your love and truth. Strengthen us with courage, wisdom, and perseverance in fulfilling the mission You have entrusted to us. In moments of fear, weakness, or doubt, remind us of Your constant presence and guidance. May our lives reflect Christ and draw others closer to You through humble and loving service. Amen.

Reflection Questions
1. In what ways am I allowing the Holy Spirit to empower me to become a more faithful witness of Christ in my family, workplace, and community life?
2. How does Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always,” strengthen me in moments of fear, discouragement, or difficulty in fulfilling my mission as His disciple?

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
May 17, 2026 (Sun) – Acts 1:1-11/ Ps 47:2-3, 6-9/ Ep 1:17-23/ Mt 28:16-20
May 18, 2026 (Mon) – Acts 19:1-8/ Ps 68:2-7/ Jn 16:29-33
May 19, 2026 (Tues) – Acts 20:17-27/ Ps 68:10, 11, 20, 21/ Jn 17:1-11
May 20, 2026 (Wed) – Acts 20:28-38/ Ps 68/ Jn 17:11b-19
May 21, 2026 (Thurs) – Acts 22:30; 23:6-11/ Ps 16:1, 2, 5, 7-10/ Jn 17:20-26
May 22, 2026 (Fri) – Acts 25:13-21/ Ps 103:1, 2, 11, 12, 19, 20/ Jn 21:15-19
May 23, 2026 (Sat) – Acts 28:16-20, 30, 31/ Ps 11:4, 5, 7/ Jn 21:20-25

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”

Weekly: Theme, Promise, Order, Direction and Prophesies (bldworld.org)