Feast of the Ascension of the Lord - Fr. Leo

The eternal son of God, Jesus Christ, was born into human time through the womb of Mary.  His earthly life lived in the Holy Spirit, began with his incarnation.  He grew in wisdom as a youth, preached the presence of God and God’s love to seekers of God.  Rejected by some, he was crucified and buried.  From that moment on, a new chapter in salvation history began.  The gates of heaven, lost through sin, were reopened to all who believe in Christ, risen from the dead.

After his death, Jesus spent time with the disciples to help them come to full faith in the resurrection of the dead.  He is the prototype of all who believe in Him.  The last two steps to this new reality was Jesus’ ascension into heaven, and the coming of the Holy Spirit.  Today, we celebrate the ascension of Christ into heaven.  This wonderful moment is an affirmation that each of us is called to share in the fullness of God’s divinity.  The preface for today’s celebration says it beautifully when it comments that Jesus was taken up to heaven in their sight that we might share in his divinity.

Pentecost, which we celebrate next week, but is a reality now, is the gift of the Spirit to be the transforming energy that makes us one in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Today, I think it is most helpful if we realize how deep the Lord’s desire is that we share in his divinity.  We may say we are unworthy, but that is not the point.  God’s desire is to make us worthy.  So, rather than live in shame, let us place the mantle of God’s eternal love around us to release us from shame and guilt, and to let our souls share in the fullness of the love God so eagerly desires to give us.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with the fire of your love.  Help us to know beyond a doubt that we are yours and that nothing can separate us from your love.  Amen.