Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

The feast marks the end of the disciples’ experience of Jesus in the flesh. Jesus said that he came from the Father and now was returning to the Father. The imagery of this account can be deceiving, but it can also be enlightening because the clouds and the sky can signify more than something above our heads. If we have difficulty making sense of this event, it was the same for the early Christian communities. We profess the Ascension of the Lord as a distinct event, proclaiming every Sunday: “I believe in Jesus Christ, who was crucified, died, and buried… rose from the dead and ascended into heaven.” We also pray: “He is seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us.” For our meditation, let us wrap our minds around that reality on this feast.

Jesus returns to God from whence He came, thus ending His earthly ministry in the flesh. This event marks a transition for Jesus and for the disciples, who now must take up and continue Jesus’ mission. Jesus had promised to remain with them always, and now promises to send them the Holy Spirit. This Spirit will accompany, inspire, and guide them.

We also believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. The Spirit is Jesus’ gift to his disciples, to us! What the Holy Spirit was meant to do for them, that same Spirit will accomplish in us. We believe…

In this final Ascension event, we are told that the disciples stood there intently gazing at the sky. “What are you gawking at?” they were asked. We can ask ourselves: Am I still merely looking at the clouds, a mere spectator, or am I ready to be a participant and continue Jesus’ mission? His ascension is my insertion in His mission!

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, we give you thanks and praise for entrusting to us your mission of spreading the Father’s love in our world. May your Spirit inspire and guide us to be faithful disciples. Amen.