Ascension of our Lord: Called to be the Universal Witnesses

Ascension of the Lord: May 21, 2023

Readings: Acts 1:1–11; Psalm 47:2–3, 6–7, 8–9; Ephesians 1:17–23; Matthew 28:16–20

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/kGE1DNY1tOo

The Feast of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ is a Christian celebration that commemorates the bodily ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is observed on the 40th day after Easter Sunday, which signifies the completion of Jesus' earthly ministry. The narration on the Ascension of Jesus is found in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the Gospels of Mark, Luke, and the Acts of the Apostles. According to these accounts, after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and followers over a period of 40 days, teaching them about the kingdom of God and giving them instructions. The liturgical readings of this Sunday are rich in content and give us a beautiful presentation of how that ascension of our Lord should be lived out in our daily lives.

1. Ascending to Heavenly Glory to be with the Father

According to the Gospel of St Matthew, which we are reading today, the last discourse of Jesus after the resurrection takes place on the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem. Even though this passage is about the commissioning of the disciples, it does not tell us, how Jesus was taken up into heaven. However other Gospels give witness to this great event.  While his disciples gather there, Jesus blessed them and, in their presence, ascended into heaven. As he ascended, a cloud enveloped him, and he disappeared from their sight. From then on none of his disciples saw him again. 

The Feast of the Ascension affirms the divinity of Jesus and emphasizes his ongoing presence among his followers through the Holy Spirit. It also highlights the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit, which occurred ten days later on Pentecost. Now Jesus becomes the intercessor on behalf of humanity as the mediator between God and us. All that Jesus spoke about heaven is going to be realized and he will prepare a place for us in heaven. It means that Jesus is going to relate with us in a new way by infusing in us the power of the Holy Spirit. From now on it is the Spirit of our Lord Jesus that would be playing the part of proclaiming the good news and bringing others to meet the Lord. 

2. Unwavering Discipleship: Embracing the Great Commission and Living Out Christ's Mission

Jesus never tires. Being a disciple of Jesus means being persons like the master, and never to be tired. Jesus gives a Great Commission as it is known in Matthew 28:16-20. It is to make disciples of all nations. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, the good news of Jesus is to be shared to the ends of the earth until he comes again in glory.  It means that all Christians, lay or religious have a definite role to play in spreading the Gospel and making disciples of all nations. Jesus asserts his authority as he belongs to the heaven and the earth. As lay or religious, it is our duty to recognize and submit to the Lordship of Jesus in our lives. We have the privilege and responsibility to represent Him in the world, sharing His love and truth.

Being a Christian means being engaged in the world. It is to be part of the struggles in which Jesus participated. It is to be part of the messy world trying to clean up all that is evil, not good, and which does not allow us to reach God. It is to defend the values and culture of life that Jesus preached and practiced. It is to participate openly in the public discourses in which Jesus himself participated. It is to live up to the convictions and compassion of our Lord. It is to invite others to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Therefore our mission territory encompasses our families, workplaces, communities, and beyond.

3. Sharing the global Christian faith with others with credibility and service

Jesus while commissioning his disciples to spread the good news, he asks them to spread his message of love, peace and truth. As Christians, we are called not only to believe in our faith but also to share it with others. Sharing our faith involves not only proclaiming the message of the Gospel but also living out its principles in our daily lives. It requires credibility and service, as these two elements are essential in effectively conveying the transformative power of Christ's love. Credibility plays a vital role in sharing our faith. People are often more receptive to the message when they see it authentically lived out in the lives of believers. Our actions and attitudes should align with the teachings of Jesus, reflecting his love, compassion, and integrity. By living lives of integrity and authenticity, we gain credibility and become a living testimony of the power of Christ's presence in our lives.

Service is another important aspect of sharing our faith. Jesus himself exemplified a life of service, teaching us to love our neighbors and to serve others selflessly. When we actively engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and selfless service, we not only demonstrate the love of Christ in practical ways but also create opportunities for meaningful connections with others. Through service, we become the hands and feet of Jesus, showing his love and grace to a hurting world.  Sharing our global faith also involves recognizing and respecting the diverse cultures and beliefs of others. It means being open-minded and empathetic, seeking to understand different perspectives and engaging in respectful dialogue. Building bridges of understanding and acceptance helps to create an environment where our message can be received with greater openness and receptivity.

Conclusion: The Catholic Swiss theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar put it so beautifully who we are as Christians in this world. He says, “what you are is God’s gift to you; what you become is your gift to God.” On this Ascension Sunday, it is our task to share with others what we have become and by sharing that gift with others we make a true offering to God. Let us pray that as we approach this challenging task with humility, empathy, and a genuine desire to serve others, knowing that it is through our lives that the transformative power of the Gospel can be most effectively communicated.

Questions for self-reflection:

1. How am I intentionally sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others?
2. Do I prioritize credibility in my witness by aligning my actions and attitudes with the teachings of Jesus?
3. Am I open-minded and respectful of different cultures and beliefs, seeking to understand and engage in meaningful dialogue?
4. Am I utilizing my time, talents, and resources to support initiatives that promote justice, equality, and the alleviation of suffering?

Prayer based on Psalm 47

Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts filled with gratitude and awe. You are the ruler of the earth. We praise you for your sovereignty and the power that emanates from you. In your infinite wisdom, you have chosen us as your people, your inheritance. You have blessed us with your presence and your abundant love. We thank you for the privilege of being called your children.

As we gather in your presence, we ask that you fill us with the joy of your salvation. May your Holy Spirit empower us to live as witnesses of your love and grace in this world. Break down the barriers that hinder us from fully surrendering to your will. Open our eyes to see the needs of those around us and give us compassionate hearts to serve them selflessly. Guide our steps and align our desires with your perfect will. May our lives be a reflection of your glory and a testament to your faithfulness. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

May 19, 2023