The Ascension of Christ: Reflecting on Honor, Hope, and Intercession
Introduction:
Traditionally celebrated on the Thursday forty days after Easter Sunday, the Solemnity of the Ascension holds great significance in our faith. However, in various parts of the world, including the United States, bishops have chosen to move the celebration to the following Sunday. Regardless of the date, the Ascension remains a remarkable event worth contemplating. As we reflect on Christ’s ascent into Heaven, let us consider the honor and glory bestowed upon the Lord, the hope it inspires, and the assurance of His intercession on our behalf.
Honor and Humility:
The Ascension exemplifies Christ’s perfect love and unfathomable humility. Despite being God Himself, Jesus willingly assumed human weakness and experienced a cruel and humiliating death for our redemption (Philippians 2:6-8). His ascent into Heaven and enthronement at the right hand of the Father is a fitting honor that calls for our rejoicing, expressing our profound love and gratitude towards our Savior.
Longing for Christ’s Presence:
While celebrating Christ’s Ascension, a part of us may still long for His physical presence on Earth. We may yearn to witness His miracles firsthand, listen to His teachings in person, or even touch His wounds like St. Thomas. Yet, Jesus Himself declared to His Apostles during the Last Supper that it is better for Him to depart (John 16:7). But why? The Lord explains that His departure is necessary for the coming of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will guide and empower His followers.
The Fulfillment of Divine Work:
The Divine Work of drawing humanity to God finds its deeper fulfillment as the risen Jesus, fully God and fully Man, ascends into Heaven, both in spirit and bodily form, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Through this glorious ascent, human nature becomes fully integrated into the heavenly realm. It fills us with hope, as we dare to envision ourselves, as members of Christ’s Mystical Body, eventually joining Him in Heaven.
The True High Priest and Intercessor:
Reflecting on the Letter to the Hebrews, the Church teaches that Jesus, the true High Priest, has ascended into Heaven and will continue to intercede for us before the Father. With such a perfect High Priest and Intercessor, we have every reason to hope for salvation. In a world marred by sin, as forewarned by Our Lady of Fatima, we must never lose faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who advocates for us. Following the advice of our Blessed Mother, we should contemplate the mystery of the Ascension by praying the Rosary and keeping our hearts centered on the Lord.
Conclusion:
The Ascension of Christ invites us to contemplate His honor, embrace the hope it inspires, and trust in His ongoing intercession on our behalf. As we reflect on this significant event, let us rejoice in the profound love and humility demonstrated by Jesus. Though we may long for His physical presence, His departure was necessary for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who guides and empowers us. With Jesus as our true High Priest and Intercessor, we have unwavering hope for salvation. As we navigate a sinful world, let us heed the guidance of Our Lady of Fatima, embracing the mystery of the Ascension through the prayer of the Rosary and keeping our hearts centered on the Lord.
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