GROW AS A DISCIPLE
Every day the world urges us to place our trust in countless things: money, brands, self-improvement methods — all with instant results! As Christians, however, we know that only God’s promises are worth betting everything on, and they are not fulfilled on our self-determined timelines. Today’s readings portray Jesus, the wounds of his crucifixion still visible, accompanying his followers for 40 days after his resurrection. Now the Apostles, some with questions of their own, are asked to wait once more for “the promise of the Father” of which they heard Jesus speak: baptism by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. For the Apostles as for us, following Christ is not an easy path, the Apostles likely were wondering what to expect in this “baptism.” The fulfillment of God’s promises doesn’t always happen quickly, nor are we usually able to grasp the big picture at the moment of fulfillment. Nevertheless, it is in these periods of waiting that faith takes root and deepens. Uncertainty makes room for faith, and as the Holy Spirit descends into our life and makes things clear, we see the beauty in God’s mysterious and loving plan for us.
GO EVANGELIZE
There’s a saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” It is often a matter of timing and expectations around life that can sew doubt into our faith. In the first reading, the Apostles ask the resurrected Christ if now he would restore the kingdom of Israel. He responds, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons.” We are reminded that our faith never obligates us to know what events are to come, and which date in our calendars to mark. Our role, as the second reading says, is to let our “hearts be enlightened, that [we] may know what is the hope that belongs to his call.” We wait in faith for the Holy Spirit to move and enlighten us to what God wills. We can rest secure in the assurance that we will be given all we need.
PRAY
Is your prayer sometimes full of questions about God’s timing and intentions, or are you able to wait in faith for God to act? Ask the Holy Spirit for the faith and hope you need to remain at peace as you wait. Then, keep your eyes fixed on Christ, and be not afraid.
By The Faithful Disciple
Catholic Q & A – Ascension of the Lord
Question:
Couldn’t Jesus have done more good if he stayed on earth, rather than ascended into heaven?
Answer:
This is an interesting question! During his earthly life, Jesus gave sight to the blind, healed paralytics, drove out demons, and fed thousands with only a few loaves of bread. Imagine what he could have done if he’d never ascended into heaven! Imagine what our world could be! It’s an interesting thought to consider, especially as the world faces challenges that only seem to deepen and expand. Yet at the Last Supper, Jesus says, “It is better for you if I go.” Why? His response must have seemed strange to the Apostles at the time. In his place, Jesus says, he will send the Paraclete, the Comforter, the Advocate. He promises to send the Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ departure allows the Apostles to become the leaders he has formed them to be. Jesus is no longer situated in only one geographical location, and his Church will never be a political kingdom. Soon after the Ascension, we celebrate Pentecost — the descent of the Holy Spirit and the radical empowerment of the followers of Jesus. We share in that empowerment and in that mission. Jesus is present in the sacraments, and he is present in us. Through our faith, hope, and love, we are called to be the good he does here on earth!
©LPi