Homily, Ascension of the Lord, 7th Sunday of Easter 2023
Homily, The Ascension of the Lord, 7th Sunday of Easter, May 21, 2023 -- Msgr. Ntuwa
The Solemnity of the Ascension
Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Eph. 1:17-23; Mt 28:16-20
Life is full of beginnings and endings, comings and goings! A gold watch is a traditional farewell gift to someone retiring. A framed photo of a good time together may be a farewell gift to a cherished neighbor moving out of town. Such gifts are not perishable like flowers, or transitory like a meal but they are lasting, to keep memories alive.
In today’s gospel Jesus gives two farewell gifts. First, he gives his lasting, ongoing Presence to his disciples; secondly, he gives his disciples to the world to be his living remembrance through their baptizing and teaching. These gifts are for all time and for all people.
The Ascension is a farewell event during which Jesus gives the gift of himself to us and the gift of us to the world. We encounter his gift of Self to us in prayer, through the goodness of others, in the beauty of creation. We are his gift to the world when we teach others his Good News of salvation by the manner of our Gospel living; when we encourage others in their following Christ and keeping his commandments; when we walk with others who are burdened with sickness, suffering, discouragement, and loss. In these and many other ways, Jesus’ Presence is lasting and his memory alive-for all the time and for all people.
The Ascension of the Lord, which we celebrate on this 7th Sunday of Easter, was actually last Thursday – which is exactly 40 days after Easter, but because of its importance and for pastoral reasons some Ecclesiastical Provinces move it to this Sunday. The number 40 is symbolic in the Bible. Forty is a biblical number of transitions to a new stage of salvation history: from the desert wanderings to the land of Canaan; from Jesus’ wilderness experience to his public ministry; from the earthly presence of Jesus to his presence in the Spirit in the community of believers.
Just before he ascends into heaven, Christ promises to send the Holy Spirit. The Spirit animates to know and understand what we believe, and to have the courage to proclaim what we believe. What a magnificent gift. Jesus did not intend for only the Apostles to go and make disciples Likewise, through our baptism, we are commissioned to profess and share the faith.
Allow me to share extracts from a reflection by Allison Gingras, a regular contributor to LPI Connect Sunday Reflection. She writes, “For my 40th birthday, I wished only for a fancy pedicure — a real indulgent one complete with a massage where I could relax and escape the stress of life. On my way to the appointment, I stopped for a coffee and, while in line, this nudge to be open to sharing my faith if the opportunity arose stirred in my heart. Only moments into my birthday treat — reclined, eyes closed and prepared for an hour of quiet, then I hear, "Oh, you wear a crucifix, you must be Catholic. I left for a church that follows the Bible." Allison continues; “While I wouldn't say I liked the timing, I obediently sat up and offered my attention to engaging in a friendly dialog about my faith.”
The nail technician and I had a delightful conversation, including Saint Jerome's work in translating the Bible, the abundance of Scripture found in a Catholic Mass, and my love of daily meditation on the Word of God. We remained respectful, enlightened, and often amazed by the numerous similarities in our spiritual journeys. Over ten years later, our paths have never again crossed, and I will never know if our conversation inspired her to revisit her Catholic faith.” Allison further recounts: “The Lord did not ask me to convert or convince but to simply witness and share all the blessings He had (and continues) to bestow in my life. That is the core of evangelization, telling how an encounter with Christ has changed you for the better and increased your desire to know, serve and love him even more.
It seemed that lack of proper catechesis played a big role in the young woman’s departure from the Catholic Church. She left to find Jesus, but Jesus was right there because nowhere is he more present than in the Eucharist.
• When have you doubted yourself and your ability to do the mission Jesus calls you to do?
• Are you willing to continue the work of the Apostles, allowing the power of the Holy Spirit —received in your baptism and strengthened in your Confirmation, to encourage you to share Jesus — especially along the normal course of your day?
• Are you willing to speak about what you believe, why you attend Catholic Mass, and when necessary, correct misconceptions many people hold against the Catholic faith.
Certainly, not everyone will be open, not every encounter will be a success. But as Saint Teresa of Calcutta is reported to have said, “God is not asking for us to be successful; God is asking for us to be faithful.” The dismissal at the end of Mass is purposeful. It saddens when people leave immediately after Holy Communion. Just give the Lord an undivided hour once a week! Unless there is a burning issue, we should always wait to be commissioned after every mass to spread the Good News that the Risen One, who has ascended to the Father, walks with us and is anxious to walk with anyone who invites him into their lives. He promised; “I am with you always until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). May God’s grace sustain our faith in all that lies ahead on our spiritual journey.
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