Living the Hope of the Ascension
The celebration of the Ascension of the Lord, which occurs 40 days after Easter, prompts reflection on the climax of Christ's earthly ministry and the tremendous hope it instills, especially for us who sincerely strive to authentically practice our Catholic faith. Following His Resurrection, Jesus manifested Himself to His disciples, affirming His triumph over death and guiding them for the task of propagating the Gospel. Subsequently, in a scene of divine magnificence, He ascended to heaven; Body Blood, Soul, and Divinity both True God and true man seated at the right hand of God the Father.
The Ascension at first glance may appear as a forever farewell, a permanent departure. The truth though is that it is not the end, but a new chapter in salvation history. Jesus promised His disciples that they were never to be abandoned but would receive the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, inspiring them to spread the Gospel message to the ends of the earth with courage and conviction. This assurance serves as an incredible reminder that we are accompanied on our journey heavenward, never navigating it without God. He never leaves us even during the moments when we feel a spiritual darkness.
The Ascension is an extraordinary event because it discloses our ultimate fate. As St. Paul writes, Christ ascended "so that He might fill all things" (Ephesians 4:10). When our Lord ascended to the Father Jesus cleared the path for us to participate in His divine life. We are reminded that our true home is not of this world, but instead resides in heaven. The Ascension changes the focus of our hearts and minds from that of the world and redirects our minds towards eternity with God, where we are invited to abide with Him forever.
The command from Christ in Matthew 28:19 to “go and make disciples of all nations” calls us to live as Gospel witnesses, even being called to become the ultimate witnesses, like the martyred saints who have gone before us. We are akin to the Apostles in being charged with bringing Christ to the world. When we as Catholics celebrate the Ascension, this wondrous solemnity becomes a significant reminder that this mission is not ours alone, and comes to fruition through the Holy Spirit's power and the enduring presence of Jesus in the lives of the ones He loves. Matthew shares with us Christ's infinite love for humanity in his Gospel: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (28:20)
As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension, let us renew our faith in the promises of the Lord and our dedication to fulfilling His mission as His disciples. Let us keep the hope of heavenly rewards aglow within us and accept Christ’s call to illuminate the world with His love and truth. Let us never forget that the same Lord who ascended into glory is also especially with us in His gift of the Eucharist, leading us towards complete fulfillment in Him.
“Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?” (Acts 1:11)
Let this question lead us, not to linger in indecision, but to venture forth in conviction, bearing witness with our existence to the triumph of Christ and His assurance of everlasting life.