Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord: May 9 (Fr. Kevin MacDonald, C.Ss.R.)

The Good Word

I wonder if we think that Jesus’ ministry is over until he returns in his glory? We might think that Jesus worked hard during his thirty-three years on the earth, so he is enjoying a well-deserved rest. That, of course, is far from the truth. Jesus did not ascend into heaven so that he could leave the Church - he ascended so he could lead the Church. Just as his death and resurrection were central, so is his Ascension and his future return. The Ascension is a reminder that the victory of the gospel is secure. His future return informs us that all is not fully realized, that there is still work for us to do.

Another important fact that we can draw from the Ascension is that our bodies matter. We know this precisely because of the effort Jesus made after his Resurrection in proving to the apostles that he was not a ghost. He said: “Look at my hands and feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” (Lk 24:39) The fact that Jesus retained the wounds on his body proves to us that our efforts in sharing the life of the gospel will require sacrifice. Our bodily and physical presence is important, not merely our spiritual understanding. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we offer God all that have; body, soul, and spirit, safeguarding the precious gift of God within.

Jesus is now standing at the right hand of the Father. He may have lingered for some days and weeks after his resurrection, but he is not lingering now. He has joined the wondrous Trinitarian circle once more, the same circle of love from which his humanity issued forth. Just as Jesus’ presence at God’s right hand strengthened the early members of the Church in their persecution and suffering, so we have the confidence that Jesus is still in charge. He is the main celebrant of every Mass we attend, he is inspiration of every prayer we say.

We live that hope. Jesus Christ is watching over us now and forever. The Ascension promises that Jesus will finish everything he has promised. That is Good News, indeed. Alleluia, Alleluia.

Blessings,

Fr. Kevin MacDonald, C.Ss.R.