THE DUMBFOUNDING EFFECT OF THE ASCENSION

We who have somehow become accustomed to the ascension of Jesus into heaven tend to miss its full import or impact. After all, it comes automatically — the second Glorious Mystery naturally succeeds the resurrection of our Lord. But when you really think of it, the ascension certainly does have its “dumbfounding effect.”

That was exactly the reaction of the disciples on the day Jesus ascended: “like children who have lost their parent,” as author Philip Yancey puts it. Two angels are sent as though to calm them down. They asked the obvious question, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up at the skies?” The sky was blank and empty, just as they themselves were, in their dumbfounded looks.

And so we ourselves also ask, why in the first place did Jesus Christ have to ascend? Wouldn’t it have been better if He stayed on with us until now, for Him to continue guiding and assisting us? If He continued to stay here on earth, He could answer our questions, solve our doubts, mediate our disputes of doctrine and policy. Why did Jesus leave us alone to fight the battles? How can it be good that He went away?

But our Lord did prepare us for His departure, at least. It’s enough to go through His Farewell Discourse at the Last Supper for us to understand the necessity of His going back to the Father, as He justified it. And now we also realize the necessity of our “taking over” Him in some strange way.

For indeed, we now are the “extensions” of Christ. In His lifetime here on earth, Jesus brought healing and the Good News to a few (come to think of it). We now can bring those to more people. This is precisely the so-called Great Commission of our Gospel today.

Hopefully, we now will not be dumbfounded anymore with this, and indeed face up to Jesus’ challenge.Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

When somebody leaves you behind, do you fear being alone?

 

May Your ascension, Lord Jesus, give me courage to go on and believe in the power of God to do what is impossible for man.

 

St. Waccar, pray for us.