A Reflection for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Find today’s readings here.
When I read Luke’s Gospel about the Ascension of the Lord, I was struck by the disciples who “returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.” I asked myself more than once, would I have reacted with joy if I had been walking alongside Jesus in Bethany? Honestly, I think I would have been quite sad and grieving, just as I am when I hear of friends and family members whose earthly pilgrimage ends.
However, as I sat with these readings, and maybe even procrastinated in writing this reflection, my mood shifted and I was able to find peace, joy and even mission. I came to realize that while Jesus’ earthly ministry was ending in the fulfillment of the Scriptures, ours was just beginning. As disciples and believers, it is our responsibility and privilege to take Jesus’ message to the ends of the earth and proclaim the Good News. In this way, while none of us will ever see Jesus with human eyes, we can see and feel his presence in our actions, our hearts and, most significantly, in the Eucharist.
Just prior to raising his hand, blessing the disciples and ascending into heaven, Jesus said, “Behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you,” referring to the Holy Spirit. What a gift the Holy Spirit has been for these 2,000+ years in guiding our church, especially apparent in the recent days. Praying “Come, Holy Spirit,” earlier this month we waited in joyful anticipation for news of the election of our new pontiff, trusting that Pope Leo XIV is the fulfillment of those prayers.
As I continue to imagine myself walking alongside Jesus I realize that in his words, he gave all of his disciples––including you and me––the mission to bring the Good News to our families and communities through our actions and words, and to trust in his presence and accompaniment. What an awesome responsibility and extraordinary gift each of us are entrusted with.
While each of us navigate the joys and challenges of our earthly pilgrimage, let us remember that all of this is done with his promise of eternal paradise when we are reunited with Christ, and so we strive to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit. By living a faith-filled life that both invites and welcomes the presence of the Holy Spirit, we are fully able to love one another, tend to the sick and poor and be sustained by the Eucharist, all the while keeping our eyes fixed on heaven with our hearts grounded in love and joy.
