ASCENSION OF THE LORD : Thursday, 9th May 2024

Jesus has been preparing His disciples for His imminent return to the Father.  ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while, you will see me,’ You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.’(Jn 16:16). We too are prepared that the Ascension is meaningful only if we walk the disciples’ path.

The Ascension is Jesus’ way of summing up the earthly and celestial life. It is His sublime way of returning to the original glory that God intended to share with us.  For the disciples, the Ascension is the tangibility of eternal life.  Their profound experience transmitted into heeding His summon to do good work.

The post-resurrection accounts underline both the disbelief and the joyous astonishment as the disciples encounter the Risen Lord. The more astonishing effect is the peace and forgiveness that Jesus breathed on them despite their abandonment in His moment of need. The Ascension is not a mere transition but a commission for us to carry on His redeeming work with signs of endurance, corporal works of mercy, and promoting a non-violent lifestyle.  Empowered as members of His risen body to share the Good News, our life’s journey is toward that open door to eternity. All our grief and sorrow of loss will find their meaning and redemption whenever we celebrate our Lord’s Ascension.

Lord, may the consolations of Your Ascension raise our gaze to the plenitude of grace You prepare for us.