The Ascension of the Lord: A Reflection
As the Church celebrates the Ascension of the Lord, it is a time for deep reflection and contemplation. Fr Edmund Power, OSB, shares his insights on how this event serves as a reminder that we too have the potential to rise up to heavenly realms.
By Fr Edmund Power, OSB
In many countries around the world, the Ascension of the Lord is commemorated on the Sunday following its traditional date. As we near the end of the Easter Season, we are called to remember this mysterious moment in the life of Jesus. According to Luke, “he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven.” The Acts of the Apostles also describe how “he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.”
Reflecting on the phrase “lifted up,” we find hope for our own lives. While the first three Gospels mention the Ascension, John offers a unique perspective. Instead of focusing on the event itself, John connects Jesus being “lifted up from the earth” with the crucifixion, symbolizing exaltation and glory.
The prayers of the Ascension Mass emphasize that “the Ascension of Christ… is our exaltation.” We are called to rise up to heavenly realms and embrace our destiny. As we receive the power of the Holy Spirit, we are tasked with spreading the Gospel and living out our faith with maturity and courage.
While some may question why God doesn’t intervene to solve the world’s problems, we are reminded that we have been given the gifts and abilities to make a difference. The upcoming celebration of Pentecost highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering us to fulfill our mission.
As we await the Spirit of truth, we can draw inspiration from Pope Leo’s words on the significance of truth in building peaceful relationships. The unity among believers, as prayed for by Jesus at the Last Supper, is essential for sharing his message with the world and bringing about positive change at all levels of society.