Jesus Promises: I will be with you always
This weekend the church once again presents a potpourri of Gospel readings depending on whether the diocese such as ours transfers the Solemnity of the Ascension to the 7th Sunday. Some continue to celebrate the Ascension story we traditionally grew up with, that is, Jesus ascended on a Thursday, Ascension Thursday, exactly 40 days after the resurrection.
Why 40? 40 is a significant number in the Scriptures. You’ll recall that when Moses went to the mountain to seek the face of God he prayed and fasted for forty days. And how long did the people of Israel wander in the desert wilderness before their entry into the promised land? For forty years! And how many days did Elijah fast as he journeyed in the wilderness to the mountain of God? (40) You’re right!
For forty days after his resurrection Jesus appeared numerous times to his disciples to assure them that he had risen indeed. He took this time to prepare them for the task of carrying on the work which he had begun during his earthly ministry. Jesus’ departure and ascension were both an end and a beginning for the disciples. While they marked the end of Jesus’ physical presence on earth, they also marked the beginning of Jesus’ presence with us in a new way. Jesus promises that he will be with us, always.
When Jesus departed physically from the apostles, He did not leave them in sorrow or grief. Instead, they were filled with joy and with great anticipation for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ last words to his apostles spoke of his saving mission. And this was not only HIS mission but our mission as well.
Now, we are numbered among the disciples who are empowered for the mission to proclaim the good news of salvation to all who will accept it. We promise this on our house stationery with the by-line: “Touching lives through prayer and service.”
In this Jubilee year of HOPE, do we (each and as a community) witness the joy of the gospel and the hope of the resurrection to others? We pray: “Lord Jesus, through the gift of your Holy Spirit, fill us with a determined, intentional spirit of praise and joy which no earthly trial can subdue. Fill me with your resurrection joy and help me to live a life of praise and thanksgiving for your glory. May I, may we, witness to those around us the joy of the gospel and the reality of your resurrection.”
~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB
First Reading: Acts 1:1-11 Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23
Gospel: Luke 24:46-53
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