ASCENSION THURSDAY

As I read and pray about the scripture from the first reading taken from Acts, I am struck by how difficult it must have been for the disciples to say "goodbye" to Jesus once again,---first through his death, and now through his ascension into heaven. Goodbyes are never easy. But the disciples are promised that Jesus WILL indeed return, and told that their mission is to bring the Good News to all people. They cannot linger too long, gazing in wonderment at Jesus' disappearance into the skies. They have a mission to share Jesus' message, and not just keep it to themselves.

While the scriptures tell us that Jesus ascended, and was lifted from their sight, I think at that point, in a very real sense, His presence became indwelling with humanity. He travels out with us like ever-widening ripples in a pool of water. He has gone forth with us to be our companion and friend for all time. While he ascended to the Father, Jesus also took up his dwelling in our human hearts.

What also struck me from these readings are the parallels between Jesus' forty days in the desert and the forty day time frame after the Resurrection. Jesus had prepared himself to begin his ministry by
fasting and praying for forty days. In the time between his Resurrection and Ascension, he prepares his disciples to carry on that ministry. It is a very intense and formative time for Jesus' followers
prior to their reception of the Holy Spirit, and the inception of their sacred mission.

As this Easter season nears its end, let us all pray for a keen awareness of the presence of the Living God who dwells with us,--even to the end of time!

Barbara Grau