" I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Solemnity of the Ascension of Jesus Christ

June 1, 2014

Mt 28:16-20

Today, we are celebrating the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, one of the most important events in Jesus’ life as it depicts the very meaning of salvation history in the widest sense. Ascension of the Lord according to the CCC (665) “marks the definitive entrance of Jesus’ humanity into God’s heavenly domain, whence he will come again; this humanity in the meantime hides him from the eyes of men.” It gives us hope and assurance though that as followers of Christ, we shall one day follow him into that divine journey to enter into eternity, basking in God's love and glory. But that journey begins here and now, not only when we are already on the other side of death.

In our Gospel today, the Matthean Jesus did ascend into heaven unlike in the other Gospels. The last verse reverberates with great significance into how the disciples were to move on: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” These words affirm God’s abiding presence at all times up to the end. They must have been reassuring to the disciples in the face of doubt that plagued them even during this momentous event, the very last physical-spiritual encounter they had with the Risen Lord. They were able to transcend this doubt in God’s own time when Jesus sent them the Paraclete that guided them in the journey of maturing in faith and mission.

The ascension of Christ guarantees us of that as well. Indeed, the path opened to us by this mystery leads to a journey of growth in faith and service. Taking that path means proclaiming what we believe in through our words and actions in the face of our own doubts and fears. It means being living witnesses to what we believe and hope for.

At the end of life's journey, this event in Jesus’ life will also be ours.

- Sem. Robert Leus

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you have now taken your rightful place in heaven, bringing with you our humanity right in the Heart of the Communion of the Three. Through the mystery of your Ascension, grant that we be the manifestation of this reality here on earth through our the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts. Amen.

Main source: eudistsphilippines.com...

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