June 1, 2014 – The Ascension of the Lord
Acts 1: 1-11; Ps 47: 2-3, 6-9; Eph 1: 17-23; Mt 28: 16-20
Our first reading from the Book of Acts accomplishes two purposes: First, it is the introduction to all that will follow in that book; and, second, it is the account of Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven. Interestingly our Gospel reading from Matthew is the very end of Matthew’s account and it, of course, ends with Jesus’ Ascension. Those two readings could not be more closely associated.
In these reflections we attempt to briefly connect us to the readings and to point out how they are substantial in relationship to a stewardship way of life. There are some key elements to Jesus’ Ascension to which we must connect. Why did the Lord depart earth in that way? He could have simply vanished or dissolved, or left in any way imaginable.
However, most scholars believe that He wanted the Apostles, and He wanted us through their witness, to see Him leave physically and to see Him leave in such a way that we would know He was physically gone. However, His last words are: “I am with you always until the end of the age.” He is there for us every day and every moment. Through the Holy Spirit He will provide us the strength to be good stewards. We must pray for that strength and then use it to do what is right.
