The Ascension of Jesus Christ

06-02-2019Weekly Reflection©2018 Liturgical Publications, Inc.

I travel a good bit, which means I am away from my wife and children for decent periods of time. But what makes it easier for me, besides being able to share the Good News of Jesus with people all over, is that I know I will not be gone forever. I will return, and then all will be well again. I have been called by God to be away from them at times, but God always brings me back to them.

Each liturgical year, we celebrate Jesus' ascension into heaven. The feast speaks much to who Jesus is theologically. But in a very practical way, we also acknowledge that he has gone to be with the Father, but will return someday. Just as I return after a conference or visit with a parish to those God has entrusted to me and I love, Jesus will return to those entrusted to him and whom he loves.

But just like when I am away, there are things to be done. Life goes on for my wife and children with school, work, activities, and the basic responsibilities of family. In good stewardship, they are called to give generously to each other and devote themselves to God. Without them tending to things, upon my return I would find everything in turmoil and disarray. Then when I return, we become one again, and we are about the Lord's work together.

The Lord ascended into heaven, but we are not to sit by quietly awaiting his return. Much needs to be done. He has entrusted much to us, expecting us to be good stewards. If you think that you have all the time in the world to complete the tasks at hand, think again. His return will be when we least expect it. It is time to be about our Father's work.

"Pero recibirán la fuerza del Espíritu Santo cuando venga sobre ustedes, y serán mis testigos en Jerusalén, en toda Judea, en Samaria y hasta los extremos de la tierra." (Hechos 1:8) La catequesis para todos los que celebramos el Día del Señor es hermosa. Hoy aprenderemos
que la Ascensión del Señor es inseparable de Pentecostés; Van juntos y existe continuidad. Jesús resucita el primer día de Pascua, sale de la tumba y hoy sale de la tierra, sube al cielo y envía al Espíritu Santo. Es por eso que la Iglesia celebra gozosamente la Ascensión y Pentecostés.

Jesús se va, pero antes bendice a sus discípulos afirmando que el que reciba al Espíritu Santo está listo para continuar ejerciendo el ministerio. Eran los principios de la Iglesia Primitiva. La fuerza del Espíritu estaba en ellos. Ahora, el Papa Francisco nos catequiza sobre la Ascensión: En el Credo confesamos nuestra fe en Cristo, que «subió al cielo y está sentado a la derecha del Padre». ¿Qué significa esto para nosotros? Ya al comienzo de su subida a Jeru- salén, Jesús también ve esta otra «subida» al cielo con la que culmina su «éxodo» de esta vida, pero sabiendo que la vuelta a la gloria del Padre pasa por la cruz, por la obediencia al designio divino de amor por la humanidad. También

nosotros hemos de saber que entrar en la gloria de Dios exige la fidelidad cotidiana a su voluntad, aun a costa de sacrificios y del cambio de nuestros programas. (Catequesis del papa Francisco en el Año de la Fe.)