Reflecting on the Word

By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.

We can get caught up in the details and miss the heart of the message today.  Where did Jesus go? Is heaven “up there”? Why doesn’t Matthew’s Gospel have Jesus being taken up? Doesn’t this feast remove Jesus from us, to some place  where he “sits at the right hand of the Father”? Sound a little disengaged? 

In his introduction to the writings of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Jean Leclercq writes that the mystery of the Ascension fulfilled the mystery of love in which  Jesus returns to the glory of the Father. The Son then sends this Spirit to unite  us with the Father in love. Thus, in Bernard’s thought, the Ascension is a symbol  for the passage of Christ from his life in mortal flesh to glorious life in the Spirit.  This same transition from flesh to Spirit can also be accomplished in us, since it  has already taken place in Christ. 

But we are not simply passive recipients. There is work to be done. Luke’s  angels bluntly tell the apostles to get moving. Matthew’s final scene spells out  the work: “Go forth and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father,  Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching others to observe all that I have commanded  you.” Witness to Jesus, in word and deed. 

The task of spreading the good news that is Jesus Christ, teaching others about  him, can seem daunting. But we are not alone. We have the promise that the Holy  Spirit will work with us; in Matthew, Jesus’ final words are reassuring: “I am with  you always.” That is reason enough to work with confidence. 

Consider/Discuss

  • Does the image of Jesus ascending to sit at the right hand of the  Father comfort you? Challenge you? 
  • When is the last time you witnessed to Christ, sharing what he  means to you? 

Responding to the Word

We pray: Loving Father, give us your Spirit of wisdom and revelation to  enlighten the eyes of our hearts, so we may have the hope that accompanies  your call and come to the glory that is our inheritance. May your great power be  at work in us, raising us to new life as it did your Son Jesus. Amen.

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