THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

BEHOLD, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, UNTIL THE END OF THE AGE

In the first reading Luke presented to us how Jesus ascended to heaven in the presence of his disciples. His disciples were amazed to witness such an awesome sight. Why did Jesus ascended to heaven in the presence of his disciples? Jesus would have ascended to heaven from any where he chose. He can choose not to let his his disciples witness the ascension. Jesus ascended to heaven in there presence because he wanted them to witness this divine event. It will be a source of hope for them. It will also give them a better understanding of the meaning of human life. Life is a journey that begins with God and will end in God. Some people believe that life is only material and comes to an end here on earth. If death is the end of life then life is meaningless and hopeless. Can human beings survive without hope? Can we live without having any meaning for why we are alive? Where there is no hope the future becomes meaningless. Our good work become meaningless. The ascension of Christ teaches us that human life does not end here on earth. Life on earth is connected to the life in heaven. Death is only a transition. Those who lived good life will be transformed to live with Christ in the glorious splendors of heaven. Jesus teaches us that heaven is real. “In my Fathers house there are many dwelling places. If there were not would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” The ascension of Jesus into heaven teaches us that our hope is not in vain. We shall go where Jesus has gone. “I am going to prepare a place for you and I will come and take you, so that where I am you also may be.” The faithful will always have a place reserved for them in the kingdom of heaven. Christ ascended into heaven so that the Holy Spirit will descend on his disciples. The Advocate, the Spirit of courage and hope will be with them to help them. The Holy Spirit will reveal to them hidden realities and guide them to bring the light of Christ to all nations. Jesus said that all power in heaven and on earth has been given to him. Now he gives power to his disciples to go and bear witness to the whole world. “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Jesus teaches them that there is no other authority or power that human beings should submit to accept that of God. The disciples will do great things and transformed the world in the powerful name of Jesus. Jesus gave the Church and all Christians the power to bear witness in his name. The witness that life is not meaningless and does not end here on earth. Every human life belongs to God and should be treated with dignity and respect. As we prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit may the Holy Spirit give us hope in times of challenges. Paul teaches us in the second reading that the hope of the joys of heaven will be a source courage in times of struggles. Paul prayed that the Holy Spirit will open our hearts to perceive the joy that will come to us. “May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ give you the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge, so that the eyes of your hearts will be enlightened, that you may know the hope that belongs to this call”. That we may know the riches of the glorious inheritance that belong to us. Armed with the power of hope we will be able to faithfully bear witness to Christ even in times of challenges. Though Jesus ascended into heaven he promised to be with his Church till the end of age. Jesus is still with us. He is truly present with us in his body and blood in the Eucharist. As we share in his body and blood may his presence bring us peace.