SOLEMNITY OF ASCENSION C
FAREWELL WITH A PROMISE
Luke 24:46-53
MESSAGE
Who said farewells are easy? We witness the tearful hugs at airports, crying and imploring kids at the gates, the somber silence in a funeral.
Today we celebrate the Lord’s Ascension, essentially, his last goodbye to his disciples. Never again will they see his physical presence – his kind face, his gentle touch, his sweet smile, his compassionate eyes. For these loyal disciples, it must have been heartbreaking to see the Lord go, even if heaven was his destination! But wait, why did the gospel say they were filled with “great joy?”
It was because in Jesus they saw God’s promises fulfilled. The one who was scourged and ridiculed has been vindicated. The crucified and murdered One is now risen. The Victim is now the Victor. The stone rejected by the builders has truly become the cornerstone of the structure. And before he ascends to the Father, the Lord Jesus makes another Promise, a Promise from the Father – The Holy Spirit will come and dwell in the hearts of his followers.
Thus the Ascension, far from being a moment of grief, became a moment of hope renewed. In Jesus, hopes were fulfilled. In Jesus, a new promise, a new hope is given. There is something to expect, to live for, to strive for. This farewell is not a definitive goodbye but a mysterious and powerful presence. The Father will not be distant. The Son will not disappear. In the Spirit, God is more present than ever – in our hearts, in our lives, even in our act of hoping!
REFLECT
There are moments we feel left out or abandoned… when we begin to feel lonely. Recall the promise of the Lord: “I am with you always.” Let that promise be your anchor. He is our hope that does not disappoint! Like the apostles, be filled with joy!
