Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Feast of the Ascension of Jesus: May 21, 2023
 
Acts 1:12-14: In this reading, the Apostles and disciples have just witnessed Jesus’ Ascension; a profound “spiritual high” on the Mountain, (Mount Olivet). Here, they were given a sense of their purpose and mission, as Christian witnesses. We, too, have our “spiritual high points” or “mountaintop moments.” These are those moments when we feel we’ve gained a new spiritual clarity or have, by God’s grace, transcended some obstacle or challenge or burden in our lives that had previously held us, bound. At such points, we may find ourselves suddenly able to forgive others; with whom we’d nursed anger or a grudge, or perhaps, we find ourselves able to have compassion, mercy and love for other people or groups whom we’d merely snubbed and judged, before. “Dedication to prayer,” as demonstrated by the Apostles and early disciples, can work wonders! Unified prayer, as in this reading, invites, into our hearts and homes… the Holy Spirit!
 
Psalm 27: “I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.”  This is a powerful song of faith and trust in God. The psalmist proclaims God as his Light, Salvation and Powerful Refuge. Are we ready to join in this proclamation of praise, trust and supreme confidence in God? At least in our hearts and souls, let us sing of our salvation; but certainly, with our voices, we can spread the Word of God’s Mercy and Love! Like the psalmist, let’s contemplate our longing for earthly Church “belonging,” as well as for future eternal “residency” in the Heavenly Kingdom. Let’s also join the psalmist in contemplating on the loveliness of God’s Temple, as well as God’s own indescribable beauty. This psalm alludes to both the earthly Temple in Jerusalem, and to the Heavenly Kingdom.  Let’s nurture our innate longing for God!
 
1 Peter 4:14-16:  While in today’s first reading, the disciples experience a “transcendent epiphany” as to their mission as “witnesses” and “missionaries,” in this reading, they receive a new awareness of their complementary calling to suffer for the faith. Peter reminds them and us, that if we suffer for the faith, we’ll receive an eternal reward. We’re also encouraged to contemplate that if others see us as prominent leaders or examples of faithful followers of Jesus, then, we’re blessed… (for) “the Spirit of Glory and of God rests upon (us).” What a lovely promise and affirmation to contemplate this week! Suffering for the faith unites us to Christ… our consummate leader and role model for suffering for the faith. The Holy Spirit will, surely be ever-present when we’re persecuted; infusing us with Wisdom, diplomacy, prudence and love!
 
John17:1-11a:  In this mightily powerful Ascension passage, Jesus receives glory from the Father… to glorify Jesus, Who instinctively and reciprocally glorifies the Father. Ponder that… immediately, Jesus wants to share the eternal Life and Gifts that He’s received, …with us! Jesus prioritizes… us! Humbly and appropriately, in return, we’re inspired to share the eternal Life we’ve received by sharing, likewise with others who don’t know the Lord. We’re mandated to witness, to evangelize and to share the Good News about Jesus, our Messiah, with others.
 
This week, ponder the purpose of our lives, as we learned as children, via the Catechism: to know, love and serve God in this life; so as to be with God in the next life. Our purpose hasn’t changed. How are we doing at living out that calling? Come, Holy Spirit! Help us to answer that question, honestly and completely.
 
Trustingly,
 
Deacon Matt