THEME: THE MEANING OF ASCENSION

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples; and has continued to appear and disappear so to say. Since he would not just disappear into thin air, he was like someone shuttling between heaven and earth. He continued to visit his disciples. In all these visits, Jesus aimed at helping them to understand his true identity, and also to strengthen their faith, and assure them of his continued presence. Today, marks the end of Jesus’ physical appearances. We celebrate today the official return of Jesus to heaven from which he came. He who descended from heaven is he who ascended into heaven after the completion of his saving mission. This is the meaning of Ascension. Ascension is exaltation of Christ. Where the head has gone, his body—the Church is called to follow. Though we his disciples will no longer see his face but we shall see him again. However, it will not be to strengthen our faith but to judge us on how much we have practised the faith; on how much we believed in him. Jesus wants us to continue his saving mission until the last person is saved. Our focus now should be on loving God and neighbour if we want to see Jesus again. We know the day Jesus ascended into heaven but we don’t know when he will come again. Therefore, let his return not find us unprepared.

1^st reading: Acts 1:1-11. Before the disciples, Jesus was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight.

Responsorial Psalm: God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.

2^nd reading: Ephesians 1:17-23. Jesus is now seated at God’s right hand in the heavenly places.

Gospel: Mark 16:15-20. Jesus, after commissioning his disciples was taken into heaven to be with the Father.

Have a wonderful celebration.

Fr. Sylvanus

Servant of the Lord