+ In our readings today we have two accounts of the Ascension of the Lord into heaven: the first in the Acts of the Apostles – St. Luke gives us here an instructive type of account: speaking of the post resurrection appearances of Jesus, he tells his listeners that Jesus had plainly showed himself after his death and resurrection, preparing them carefully for his departure from them which would involve a sending of them, but also a giving of a gift: the Holy Spirit. His accounting of Ascension Day is colorful and imaginative: he was lifted up, and a cloud took them from their sight; and suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them and said: Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken p from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven; thus giving us a major hint as to what will happen one day in the future: our future!
The second reading today tells us that all things belong to the ascended Jesus and that he can distribute whatever he will to whomever he wants. It is also a prayer that we obtain the great gifts that the Lord has to give us: especially enlightened hearts so that we might know the hope that is now available, the riches of glory that belong to Jesus and are awaiting us who believe, the members of his body, the Church.
The gospel passage, again, from Luke (this time his gospel), summarizes the heart of Jesus' mission on earth: that he would SUFFER and RISE FROM THE DEAD on the third day, and that REPENTANCE FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS would be preached in his name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. It was the task of the Apostles to bring this message to the world, but not until they were clothed with power from on high: but that is another feast, yet to come, Pentecost, in ten days' time. For now, Jesus blesses his ambassadors and is taken up into heaven in their sight – thus completing his earthly work which he undertook in obedience to his Father's will. And what a scene in heaven that must have been: Father and Son Eternal united again, Father and Son Incarnate united for the first time! And now Jesus, Son of God and Son of Man is situated where he can do us all a great deal of good as Divine Intercessor, Friend and Brother – as the one closest to God the Father!
Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; and remember I am with you always, until the end of the world – and beyond!
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