The Ascension marks the beginning of the end of the Easter celebration. Today we recall the last appearance of the risen one; or the end of that founding period of the Church, in which the apostles, together with the first disciples, had the living experience that Jesus, whom they had followed in life and whom they had seen die on the cross, is no more dead, but alive. That living experience made them feel brotherhood, community. Their faith told them that their communion was centred not only on the memory of what Jesus had done and said but also the Spirit of Jesus animated their community and that this community had the mission of bringing the good news of salvation to all men and women.
These ideas are reflected in today’s readings. The first, from Acts of the Apostles, and the Gospel, each in its own way, relate, to last appearance of the Risen Lord. Those last moments serve to confirm them in the mission. This is clearly seen in both readings. What they have lived is not only for them but also for all of humanity. The disciples will be, by the power of the Spirit, witnesses of Jesus “in Jerusalem and to the ends of the earth” (Acts). “Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation” (Mark). What the believers have received is not an exclusive gift for them but they must share it.
The second reading, taken from the letter to the Ephesians, is a prayer of Paul in which the apostle intercedes for all who read his letter. He assumes that they are believers and asks God to give them all — to give us all — the grace and wisdom to understand what God has done with each of us. Because the Lord’s resurrection is not something that happened to Jesus alone; it is the new covenant that God has made with humanity through the mystery of Easter.
In Christ, God displayed his powerful strength by rescuing him and rescuing us from the power of death and sin in all its forms. We are no longer condemned to death, selfishness, sin, hatred, or violence. God has destined us to be his children. All of this is what the apostles experienced so strongly at the time of Easter. All this obliges us Christians to live differently and to share this experience of salvation with all our brothers and sisters.
The Ascension is not a time of sadness because we are left alone. The words of the angels to the apostles in the Acts of the Apostles are addressed to us today: “What are you doing standing there looking up to heaven?” “Come on, believers!” the mission urges us all. There is much to do!
For your reflection
How have I lived the Easter season? Has the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection brought any change to my life? How can I share the richness of the grace I have received in Jesus with those around me?
Father Fernando Torres CMF
www.ciudadredonda.org
Translated by Father Alberto Rossa CMF
