On this Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, we are invited to reflect deeply on the significance of this event in the life of Jesus Christ and in our own journey of faith. The readings today, taken from the Acts of the Apostles, the Letter to the Ephesians, and the Gospel according to Mark, shed light on different aspects of the Ascension and its implications for us as believers.
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles recounts the moment when Jesus ascended into heaven in the presence of his disciples. Before his Ascension, Jesus spent forty days with his disciples, appearing to them and speaking to them about the kingdom of God. He instructed them to remain in Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit. This promise would empower them to be witnesses of Christ to the ends of the earth.
The Ascension is not merely a departure of Jesus from the earth; it is a moment of glory and triumph. As Jesus ascends into heaven, he is exalted and seated at the right hand of God the Father, as we hear in the second reading from the Letter to the Ephesians. This exaltation of Christ is a testament to his victory over sin and death, and it establishes his authority over all creation. Jesus, who was raised from the dead by the power of God, now reigns supreme over every principality, authority, and dominion.
Moreover, Jesus is not only the exalted Lord but also the head of the Church, which is his body. As members of the Church, we are called to share in Christ’s victory and to participate in his mission of proclaiming the Gospel to the whole world. The Ascension marks the beginning of this mission, as Jesus commissions his disciples to go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
In the Gospel reading from Mark, we hear Jesus’s final instructions to his disciples before his Ascension. He commands them to proclaim the Gospel to every creature, promising that those who believe and are baptized will be saved. Jesus also assures them that they will receive power from the Holy Spirit to perform signs and wonders in his name. The disciples are not left alone in their mission; rather, the Lord works with them, confirming the word through accompanying signs.
As we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, we are reminded of our call to be faithful witnesses of Christ in the world. Like the disciples, we are called to proclaim the Gospel with courage and conviction, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. We are called to be signs of Christ’s presence and love in the world, bringing hope and healing to those in need.
The Ascension also reminds us of the ultimate destiny of all believers. Just as Jesus ascended into heaven, so too are we called to share in his glory and to be united with him forever in the kingdom of heaven. Our hope is not limited to this present life but extends to the life to come, where we will dwell in the presence of God for all eternity.
In conclusion, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord calls us to reflect on the significance of this event in the life of Jesus Christ and in our own journey of faith. It reminds us of Christ’s victory over sin and death, his exaltation as Lord of all, and his commission to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth. May we, like the disciples, respond with joy and obedience to this call, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us as we bear witness to the Risen Lord in the world.