Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

The Ascension of Jesus marks the conclusion of His earthly ministry. The mission now is entrusted to the disciples to “go throughout the world and bring the good news”. This is the missionary mandate we all have received from the earlier Church all the way to today’s disciples.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Jesus proposes again the theme of unity with the Father and with Him in love as the basic principle in the life of a disciple. To remain united with them in love is crucial for the disciples to bear good fruit. The proof that a disciple remains in them is that he or she strives to follow the Ten Commandments, to do what He commands.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Jesus' order, "Remain in me", expresses a clear worry about the temptation of the disciples to stray or to stay in the superficiality of their relationship with him. To remain means to commit to the Master, to live His Word, and more, to follow His example, especially in our relationship with others.

To strive for this radicality, which is a characteristic of Jesus, our Master. He did not opt for superficial ways or stay halfway in his obedience to the Father and in fulfilling His mission. Rather, He went all the way, embraced all the consequences, and fulfilled all promises.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

The parable of the shepherd and the sheep is a perfect image of the Master-disciple relationship. To listen and recognize the shepherd's voice, calling each one by its name, leading them out, shows the deep connection between them. The disciple is a real disciple when he or she gets to this point. It doesn't happen when discipleship is fake or superficial.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

The scene of the disciples of Emmaus calls our attention to a fact in the life of the disciples of all times. The Master walks with them! He explains the Scriptures to them! (First Bible study in the NT). He opens their intelligence to understand the cross as a necessary and obligatory step in discipleship.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Thomas represents all disciples who reach faith by overcoming unbelief. He imposes conditions on his faith in the resurrection, refusing to accept the testimony of his brethren. How often do we do the same? His heart was taken by some kind of materialism and rationalism. He needs to see and touch Jesus before taking a step in faith.