Sergott’s Sidelines, Ascencion Sunday
Today we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord Jesus into heaven, from the mountain top. This event is not our Lord leaving us nor is it a departure. But it does mean that Christ’s presence will be with us in a totally different way. The apostles had to learn to see Jesus without their eyes and use their “eyes of faith” instead and we are no different.
The apostles were sent into the world to make disciples of all nations. We, too, are sent to live a Christian life through word and deed. Of course, we have our limitations, faults, and sinfulness that we need to deal with. However, we have redeemed sinners. This means that repented sinners will be continually guided by the Holy Spirit through their work, endeavors, and plans.
We don’t need to travel throughout the world to do God’s mission but we can do it right where we live and we can influence people around us by our good examples. And that means being a faithful disciple of our Lord. After the Ascension, Jesus is present everywhere where he is invited to be in. So, Christ is still with us. The Ascension of our Lord was necessary for the beginning of the Church to grow and continue to do the work of God, until Jesus second coming at the end of time.
We are not called to stand up looking at the sky, but to get moving and get busy, working for the responsibilities that we have been given. We are invited to examine the precious gift of life that God has given to us and grow, learn and flourish as faithful children so we can share our love of Jesus with others. The Ascension, therefore, was a moment of transition in which was passing authority to the disciples with the assistance of the Holy Spirit.
The goal of the apostles and future disciple is to baptize, preach, teach, forgive, heal and drive out demons. Christ is no longer limited to local, specific presence, but to be accessible to all people, in all places and in all times. This celebration this weekend, marks Christ’ earthly mission, but this mission continues by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the Church. So, until next time, see you in church! Fr. Larry J