Homilies

SOLEMNITY OF THE LORD'S ASCENSION: A CELEBRATION OF HOPE

THE RISEN LORD has appeared to his disciples several times in different locations. Now, in this Ascension event, Jesus finally bids goodbye to his disciples as he goes back to the Father. As he leaves them, he blesses his disciples and promises to send the Holy Spirit in order to guide them in their journey and work.

Let us reflect on the important moments in the gospel passage that we have just heard:

First, Jesus explained the scriptures to his disciples, saying, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rose from the dead on the third day…”.  Jesus was a Rabbi and as teacher, he loved the scripture. He explained, interpreted, and gave new depths to the scriptures. Jesus explained his works and deeds to his disciples in the light of the scriptures. However, his disciples were not quick to understand the scriptures. Jesus had to often remind them and explain to them the meaning of the scriptures. The Word of God is important to our daily existence. It guides us and enriches our spiritual life. This does not mean that we simply quote the Scriptures, but we should also have the right meaning of these texts. We need to have the right understanding of it.

Second, he promised to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples. The promise of sending the Holy Spirit is important to the life of his disciples. This gives them an assurance that Christ continues to be with them in and through the Holy Spirit. The assurance would give them strength to go and preach the gospel to the ends of the earth. The work of evangelization is not an easy task, but the disciples felt assured and confident because of the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Thus, they are not alone in their work; for they have the Holy Spirit with them who teaches and guides them. In our daily life, we should always be aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit and for his guidance. More importantly, in making crucial decisions, we should always pray over them and discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit in us.

Third, Jesus blessed his disciples. As Jesus was about to depart from them, Jesus raised his hands and blessed his disciples. A blessing which comes from a rightful authority marks the authenticity of the person’s work or ministry. In this case, the disciples would preach the gospel to all nations in the name of Jesus the Christ. In the same way, priests get their blessings from their bishops, and lay ministers get from their parish priests. This rendering of ”blessing” from an authority gives awareness to ministers that they do their work, not for themselves, but in the name of the Church and in the name of Christ.

The Ascension of Christ to heaven celebrates hope. It proclaims that Jesus achieved the work he was sent to do and is now in heaven in the company of God the Father. This feast gives us a glimpse of the destiny that awaits us. It reminds us that our homeland is heaven. When our earthly journey is over, we hope to follow where Christ is now. We hope that one day we share in the complete happiness that Christ now enjoys in heaven with the Father.

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