Solemnity of the ASCENSION OF THE LORD

Mt 28: 16-20

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved. http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations

In Jesus’ Name

Just as Moses had gone to the mountain to receive the Law, Jesus went to the mountain to teach of a new law that would fulfill the old. He spoke of the meek, the peacemakers, the merciful, the poor in spirit, those who mourn.  They are the blessed.

The Risen Lord calls the apostles to the mountain. He instructs them to observe and teach the New Law and to baptize. He assures them that he will be with them always.

The Lord assures us also that He will be with us. But where is He?

Do you see people around you feeding the hungry and caring for the sick in his Name? Do you see people around you letting go of what they have in order to follow him more closely? Do you see people around you laying down their lives for his sake?

Do you still not know where he is?

—Fr. Robert Flack, S.J. is a retreat director at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House, Barrington IL.

Prayer

Life-giving God, you make us joyful in the ascension of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.  May we follow him into the new creation, for his ascension is our glory and our hope. All praise to you, now and always.  Amen.