“Why are you standing there looking at the sky?”

This coming Sunday we in the Diocese of Toledo celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. This celebration is one that has mixed feelings. In one sense, the Apostles and other disciples seem sad or dismayed because Jesus has departed and gone to the Father. However, in the Acts of the Apostles, we are told that as they were looking up still trying to see him, some angels appeared. These angels said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven."

This statement from the angels is an important one to them and to us today! Jesus' departure to the Father is not a moment of sadness and abandonment; just last Sunday Jesus promised "I will not leave you orphans." No, this is a call to action!The angels telling the Apostles that "He will return" is an invitation to go out and tell all the world so that all people may be saved! And, as we will recall in next Sunday's celebration of Pentecost, Jesus indeed did not leave them helpless, but sent the Holy Spirit to give them what they needed to do just that. 

In our Baptism and Confirmation, Jesus also gives us that same Spirit and we are challenged to do the same! So, as we approach the end of the Easter Season and hear of Jesus' Ascension this Sunday, let us not be dismayed or disappointed. Jesus promised he was not leaving us abandoned; in the Gospel he insists "I am with you always," which we know most especially through the Holy Spirit's action in making Jesus present in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Let us go forth this week, taking up the mission given to the Church by the Lord and by the angels at his Ascension. And let us cry out to the Holy Spirit in prayer, that we may be given all that we need to accomplish this mission well!

Want to prepare your heart and mind for Mass this weekend? Click here to find the readings this Sunday's Mass.