Gospel Reflections - Solemnity of Ascension, Year A


In our family, we often have long goodbyes.  We announce we’ll be leaving shortly, talk for a bit, announce our departure again, continue talking, get in our van yet keep the conversation going longer, and so on.  Even though His public ministry was only three years, Jesus also had a series of long goodbyes for His disciples.  He let them know on numerous occasions throughout their time together that He would not always be physically present to them.  In the daily Gospel not long ago (May 10), Jesus told His disciples, "Remain in me, as I remain in you." (John 15:4). As we will see at Pentecost next weekend, He will send the Holy Spirit to guide them in continuing His work on Earth, while He went on ahead to prepare dwelling places in Heaven. 

The Feast of the Ascension celebrates Jesus being swept up in a cloud and taken to Heaven, but not before giving the disciples their mission.  He sent them out to all nations, to make disciples, baptize and teach, assuring that He would always be with them, “...until the end of the age.”  And so He is with us as well.  Each time we pray, every struggle or triumph, whenever we gather with family and friends, anytime…He is there with us.  Most especially, He is there in the Blessed Sacrament, when we sit with Him in silence and when we receive Him at the celebration of the Mass.


As one of the variations of the quote goes, “When Jesus feels far away, who moved?” 

What do you do to participate in the mission of the disciples? 


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