Jesus’ words in today’s gospel were spoken to his apostles during the Last Supper. They are equally important for us today as we prepare to celebrate the feast of the Ascension. Jesus promises to ask the Father for whatever each of us—as well as our families and co-workers, neighbors and friends—might need. “Ask and you shall receive,” Jesus says, “that your joy may be full.”
Amidst the busy-ness of this weekend, take a few moments to ponder whatever you wish to “ask” God for. As we celebrate Jesus’ reunion with the Father, what requests do I wish to place in Jesus’ hands? What persons and situations among my family and neighbors and friends do I entrust in a special way to the Father’s loving concern? And, for myself, what do I really need deep down in my heart, that my joy “may be full”?
—the Jesuit prayer team