Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Goodbyes are seldom easy, but this one is much better than the first. The first goodbye between Jesus and his disciples was violent and seemingly definite. A life was being taken and each life connected to it was crushed by sorrow or completely isolated in fear. But much happened since then. The Resurrection, God’s marvelous and awesome gift opened up a passageway from death to life, from sorrow to joy, from fear to love. The movement is often slow, the results often short-lived. But the Lord worked gracefully and patiently with his disciples that they might believe and embrace this new life he had given them.
Today we commemorate the Ascension, an important moment in the life of the disciples. Not only was it for them an opportunity to say goodbye to their Lord who, this time, left in glory and majesty, but it was also the opportunity to deepen their trust in the bonds of love and life that henceforth can never be broken. Physically distant though he may have been as he took his seat at the right hand of the Father, the gospel tells us that Jesus continues to work with his disciples. He continues to do the same with and for us: to work with us and everything we carry: fears, sorrow, even death. His presence is still with us working gracefully and patiently to embrace the new life he wishes to give us.