The Ascension of Our Lord June 01, 2025
Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23 or Hebrews 9:24-28, 10:19-23; Luke 24:46-53
Leonardo da Vinci had started to work on a large canvas in his studio. For a while he worked at it choosing the subject, planning the perspective, sketching the outline, applying the colours, with his own inimitable genius. Then suddenly he ceased, the painting still unfinished, and summoning one of his students, invited him to complete the work. The student protested that he was both unworthy and unable to complete the great painting, which the master had begun. But da Vinci silenced him. "Will not what I have done inspire you to do your best?" Jesus our Master began His Good News two thousand years ago by what he said, by what he did, and supremely by what He suffered. He illustrated His message and has left us to complete the picture. This is the message of the Ascension.
Today we gather to reflect on the profound mystery of the Ascension of Our Lord, as recounted in Acts and Luke. This event marks a pivotal moment in our faith, as it signifies not only the completion of Jesus' earthly ministry but also the promise of His continued presence with us through the Holy Spirit. As we delve into this sacred mystery, let us draw inspiration from the lives of great men and women who have exemplified the virtues of faith, hope, and perseverance.
In today’s gospel, the disciples were saying goodbye to Jesus and we heard the intimate moment of farewell between friends. As he prepared to depart from the earth he offered them his parting gifts: the gift of understanding so that they were able to comprehend the meaning of the Scriptures. He promised the power of the Holy Spirit and gave them his final loving blessing and told them that he would remain with them till the end of times. The reaction of the disciples shows a striking transformation. Luke tells us that they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, praising and worshipping God. The Lord instructed them to be his witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the world but they were also told to await the gift of the Holy Spirit. They are assured by the angels that the Lord will come back to them as they had seen him go up to heaven.
Consider the life of Mahatma Gandhi, a man who transformed the world through his commitment to non-violence and truth. Gandhi once said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." His journey was not without challenges; he faced immense opposition and personal trials. Yet, through his unwavering faith in the power of love and justice, he inspired millions to rise against oppression. Gandhi's life reminds us that true greatness lies not in power or wealth but in the ability to uplift others and bring about positive change.
Similarly, the Ascension of Jesus calls us to reflect on our own lives and the impact we can have on the world around us. Just as Gandhi's legacy continues to inspire, so too does the Ascension remind us that we are called to carry forth the mission of Christ in our daily lives.
In Acts 1:1-11, we witness the moment when Jesus, after giving His final instructions to the apostles, is taken up into heaven. The disciples, gazing intently into the sky, are reminded by two angels that Jesus will return in the same way He departed. This moment is not merely a departure; it is a promise of hope. The Ascension signifies that Jesus is not distant or detached from our lives; rather, He reigns in glory and is intimately involved in our journey.
Luke 24:46-53 further emphasizes the importance of this event. Jesus opens the minds of His disciples to understand the Scriptures, revealing that His suffering, death, and resurrection were all part of God's divine plan for salvation. He commissions them to be witnesses to all nations, empowering them with the Holy Spirit. This commissioning is a call to action for each of us. We are invited to be witnesses of Christ's love and mercy in a world that desperately needs it.
Embrace Our Mission: Just as the apostles were called to be witnesses, we too are called to share the Good News. The Ascension challenges us to reflect on how we can actively participate in God's mission. This may involve acts of service, sharing our faith, or standing up for justice. Like Gandhi, we can be agents of change in our communities, embodying the love of Christ in our actions.
Live with Hope: The Ascension instils in us a profound sense of hope. As we navigate the challenges of life, we can take comfort in the promise that Jesus is with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). This hope empowers us to face adversity with courage and resilience, knowing that we are not alone.
Cultivate a Spirit of Prayer: After the Ascension, the disciples returned to Jerusalem and devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 1:14). In our busy lives, it is essential to carve out time for prayer and reflection. This connection with God strengthens our faith and equips us to fulfill our mission. Just as Gandhi sought guidance through introspection and prayer, we too can find clarity and direction in our relationship with God.
Anticipate Christ's Return: The promise of Christ's return is a central theme of the Ascension. As we await His coming, we are called to live in a manner that reflects our faith. This means being vigilant, living with integrity, and fostering a spirit of love and compassion. Our actions should be a testament to our belief in the resurrection and the hope of eternal life.
As we celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord, let us remember the call to be witnesses of His love and mercy in the world. Inspired by the lives of great individuals like Mahatma Gandhi, we are reminded that our actions can have a lasting impact. May we embrace our mission with hope, cultivate a spirit of prayer, and live in anticipation of Christ's return.
In this season of Ascension, let us commit ourselves anew to the work of the Gospel, trusting that, just as Jesus ascended into heaven, He will also empower us through the Holy Spirit to carry forth His message of love and redemption.
Happy Sunday
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