The Collect for the Friday before Ascension Sunday:
“Hear our prayers, O lord, so that what was promised by the sanctifying power of your Word may everywhere be accomplished through the working of the Gospel and that all your adopted children may attain what the testimony of truth has foretold. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.”
Reflection
What was promised by the sanctifying power of God’s Word? It is the repentance of sinners and the salvation of souls. So, we are basically praying that we do the job given to us – the job of spreading the Gospel and bringing people to Christ and His Church. At the same time, we pray also for ourselves to make it to the goal. As we work for the Gospel, we will suffer for it, so it is important that we have reliable testimony that it pays off. This testimony is also known as the virtue of Hope.
So, for your daily contribution to the Church’s collection of prayer,
Take a look at your own hope. Are your firmly rooted in the idea that you can rejoice in heaven? Does this hope inspire you to bring this gift to others who don’t know about it? Pray for an increase in Hope: “Lord, I hope in you, help my lack of hope!” Then spiritually unite that prayer to all the Masses throughout the world today. That way, when the priest says “Let us pray,” you can be a part of that “us” even if you don’t get to attend Mass.