"Heaven and earth are full of your glory"
Psalm 47
Readings
Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11
Letter of Paul to the Ephesians 1:17-23
Gospel According to Matthew 28:16-20
Reflection
by Sister Jane Hibbard, SNJM
The Apostles and the holy women must have been delighted by the appearances of Jesus after the Resurrection. “Mary” she heard at the tomb…..Breakfast on the shore after a stupendous catch of fish…..Appearances in the upper room. So when Jesus, having promised the Holy Spirit would come, takes off into heaven……O my! A time of confusion and bewilderment!! What did the “coming of the Holy Spirit” exactly mean and when would it happen? We KNOW the story. So we know that the Holy Spirit comes in fire and graces all with strength and power.
How do you feel today? We have been sheltered in place for two months. We are confused and bewildered! Today we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. When will Jesus come again? When will our life be “back to normal?” When will we be able to have the consolation of daily Eucharist? Can we count on the Holy Spirit being with us on this very uncertain journey?
You bet!! As we celebrate Jesus’ Ascension, let us beg Jesus to give us patience in our uncertainty, a deep faith that we are being held close and a joyful anticipation as we await the coming of the Holy Spirt into our lives with holy wisdom and profound courage!
From the Rule of St. Benedict
“Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God,
and our ears to the voice from the heavens that every day calls out this charge:
“You that have ears to hear, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Rev. 2:7) (Prologue 9,11)
Gospel Acclamation
“Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;
I am with you always, until the end of the world.”
Matthew 28: 19a, 20b