Ascension Homily

Today we celebrate the External Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.

This celebration marks the completion of Jesus’ mission. He came, taking on our human flesh, and in the midst of His public ministry would teach and heal. Later, He came to suffer as He died upon the cross and on the third day rose again. Following His resurrection He returned to His Father in Heaven which signals that His saving work has been done.

Through His returning to Heaven He came to open that way in order that we may come to follow after Him. As He stated in the Gospel of Saint John, “I am going to prepare a place for you.” Through elevating our sight to where He has now gone before we are able to see that the hope of eternal life is possible for us.

Even though His saving work has been accomplished and a dwelling place has been made ready for us in Heaven the Mission continues. After all the apostles were told, “to go and make disciples of all nations.” They could not just sit idly by as if there was nothing else which needed to be done.

Following the Ascension the apostles would gather in prayer in preparation for the gift that would come upon them at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit. Through the receiving of such a gift they were strengthened on this mission in order that they may live the faith extended to them and to spread it throughout the world no matter the temptation or hardship that was set before them.

We too must come look towards such a reality of hope. Through such a glimpse we are given all that we are needed to endure until the end from Christ. He has already triumphed upon the wood of the cross in order that we may be redeemed. There is nothing that we can add to this saving act that has been offered.

Nevertheless, we cannot just sit idly by as if there is nothing for us to now do with this gift that has been given unto us. We must be willing to look towards Heaven and everything that we do should be done as by someone who strives to get there with the assistance of God’s grace. How often do we lose sight of such a goal in order to get caught up in worldly pursuits?

Living such a life a sanctity might seem to be difficult, but we must remember that is possible. Through prayer and the sacramental life of the Church we are strengthened in this race towards the Heavenly Kingdom. Let us not take our sight off of the Pearl of Great Price, but dare to continue to look to where the Lord has now gone before.

The Lord has now gone to Heaven and He will come again. Let us be found ready to encounter Him with joy at His coming.