Ascension

The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Acts 1:1–11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:17–23; Luke 24:46–53

We have witnessed with the retiring of one flag and the raising of another flag, power and authority being transferred between nations, as for example, when the colonial powers recognized the independence of African nations.

In our country we speak about a peaceful transfer of power at the inauguration of a new president.

At the Ordination of Bishops, consecrating bishops lay hands in silence on the head of a priest to symbolize the transferring of the authority of the Apostles they had received as the candidate then rises as a successor to the Apostles.

Like these examples, the Ascension is a quiet transfer of power from Christ to his Church. Christ who ascends into the heavens carries on what he began through his new body, the community of believers.

The disciples of Jesus – we ourselves – pass from being eyewitnesses to witnesses. An eyewitness observes. A witness testifies to tell the truth of what they have observed. And the truth?

Jesus suffered and died.

We are to witness to the redeeming value of our suffering and dying. Do we see our suffering as sharing in the suffering of Jesus on the cross? Do we suffer in the hope and trust of our God? Do we comfort and bring healing to others who are suffering and dying? This is what it means to witness to Jesus.

Christ is risen.

We are to witness to the renewal of life within our lives on the path to eternity. Is there a sense of the eternal in all that we do? Are we aware of the goodness that occurs daily in our lives and acknowledge it with gratitude before God and others? Do we confirm the goodness we see in the lives of all human beings? This is what it means to witness to Jesus.

Christ preached repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

We are to witness to the healing power of repentance and forgiveness. What is our experience of being forgiven? Do we wholeheartedly forgive others who sin against us? This is what it means to witness to Jesus.

Where Jesus preached to Israel, we are now to preach to the world.

A quiet, peaceful, transfer of power and authority.

And we are not alone. This transfer or rather expansion of Jesus’ ministry and our responsibility to witness to Jesus is done with and under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Thus when Jesus was taken from the disciples, there is no sadness but great joy. The Ascension is not about Jesus is being taken up and leaving but that the Spirit is about to descend and accompany them.

The nine days of prayer that the apostles, disciples and Mary enter into between the Ascension and Pentecost are the origin of the prayer form known as the novena. They are still a time of intense prayer for the Church, as we wait.