SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION B
WE ARE EMPOWERED
MK 16: 15-20
MESSAGE
The event of the Lord Jesus’ Ascension to heaven has both positive and negative aspects. The downside is the Lord’s absence thereafter in his physical body. That’s why depictions of this mystery often show Jesus bidding farewell to his disciples as he ascends above them. However, the upside is his new, powerful, and mysterious presence through his disciples. What might initially seem like abandonment is, in fact, empowerment.
The Lord Jesus bestows stupendous powers upon his disciples – power over demons, poisons, and harm – as well as the authority to speak, heal, and preach. Upon closer examination, weren’t these powers actually Jesus’ while he was with them? Thus, while the Lord may not be visible to the eyes, his disciples will manifest his presence as they receive the same gifts Jesus received from the Father. However, how many Christians today exhibit these gifts? How many truly exercise the power the Lord has invested in them in their daily Christian lives? Considering the throngs who participated in the dramatic events of Holy Week, one wonders what fraction of this group are willing to allow Jesus to act in and through them in today’s world.
REFLECT
Instead of bidding farewell, in the Ascension, the Lord Jesus empowers his followers to do as he did and live as he lived. Ask the Lord for the gift to become his witness, perhaps not in the same manner as the disciples of old, but in the small virtues that demonstrate his ongoing presence and love for people – humility, kindness, gentleness, simplicity, and joy.
