Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

05-16-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Luke the Evangelist is also the author of the Acts of the Apostles. Addressing Theophilus, he mentions the Ascension of the Lord. How Jesus, after His resurrection, appeared to the disciples for 40 days. He instructs them to stay in Jerusalem until they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Then, they are to go to all of Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth to proclaim the Good News. And as soon as He said this, He was lifted - up into heaven before their eyes. To reenforce what they just witnessed, two angels confirm the Ascension of Jesus: Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up into the skies? That Jesus who went up into heaven will return.

Luke speaks about the Ascension of Jesus into heaven and the lastminute instruction to the Apostles. The disciples must wait for the Paraclete. And then will go out and preach the Good News throughout the whole world. They proclaim the Risen Lord and baptize through water and the Holy Spirit. They heal the sick and expel demons and teach in new languages, the language of the Gospel. And like Jesus, when confronted about His authority, answers His detractors saying: I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me. (Jn. 10:25) So, the words and deeds of His disciples testify to their discipleship of Jesus. The Holy Spirit continues to work wonders through the new converts to the faith. St. Paul encourages the converts in Ephesus to carry themselves in a manner worthy of their discipleship. They must be gentle, humble of heart, and patient to one another. They must allow the different gifts of the Holy Spirit to flourish in them. Above all, they must strive toward unity since they received the same baptism from the same Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Mt. 28:18)

Imagine for a moment if Jesus entrusted to the disciples the mission without empowering them? Somebody said it would be like leaving them cell phones without a plan or a signal. That is why the Lord gave them the power and the authority to preach the Gospel and continue the ministry He started. He also gave them the assurance and the signs to carry out their mission. Jesus gives them the mission: and the necessary ammunition.

Life without a mission is empty, vain, and shallow. What are we doing for the rest of our life? We must spend the rest of our lives; the best of our lives. Live our lives as givers and not as takers. Speaking of proclaiming the Good News, I must say that some of the best preachers I have ever known are those who preach with the heart and the witness of their lives. Those who listen and pray; and are themselves the embodiment of the Gospel. People who share the Scriptures through their lives.

Ascension reminds us that the only way to go is up, not down, or downward. The last six weeks of Easter gives us the grace to be on the Ascension mode. No matter how narrow, rough, and challenging the road ahead should lead us to our Ascension, lead us to Jesus who now sits at the right hand of the Father: and who awaits us with His glory and power.