A farewell is a powerful experience. Even a simple one of a person going to the airport can elicit a host of emotions. How much more a farewell whose effect will last forever? Today, we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord Jesus into Heaven. After 40 days since the Resurrection and a series of apparitions to his disciples and close friends, finally, Jesus returns to the Father to claim his heavenly glory. Looking at some depictions of this event, it would seem that Jesus very serenely floated on air while being transported beyond the clouds. The apostles, too, seemed utterly bewildered at the sight of a glorious Lord.
But I am sure Jesus had powerful emotions leaving behind his flock and saying goodbye to his plans with them for the kingdom. It is not easy to abandon your projects and the desires of your heart. It is not easy to part from people you love. And the disciples now feel orphaned by someone on whom they pinned all their hopes. To whom will they turn to? How will they continue without his direction? The farewell of Jesus was not to be the same farewell we go through with loved ones and friends.
When most of them are gone, yes, we are forever alone, and, at times lost. But Jesus’ farewell was a source of power and energy to his disciples. As He leaves them, he imparts a blessing and fills them with authority. In a way, He is telling them, He is really not far from them. Maybe He is invisible, but his presence is even more concrete. His power is present in their midst. You will drive out demons. You will speak new languages. You will not be harmed by snakes and poisons. You will heal the sick.--- All these would happen because Jesus said goodbye. Yes, with our eyes, we cannot see Jesus now and we cannot touch him with our hands as we wish we could. But with faith, we know that He who went to heaven is in our midst, in our hearts, when we look upon him in faith. Jesus is the power we feel in doing every good for the Kingdom.
Today, we also celebrate MOTHER’S DAY, honoring all our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and all those who have acted as mothers in our lives. For many of us, the love we have received from our mothers and has remained in us is a wonderful model of the Love of God in us. This Sunday is also World Communications Day. On the 14th, the feast of St. Matthias is celebrated. The 15th is the Patronal Feast of St. Isidore, the Patron of Farmers. And the 19th is Armed Forces Day.
#42. A MOTHER’S PRAYER OF LOVE. There is a story I heard about a repentant nervous sinner who was welcomed by Jesus in Heaven. “You know me, Lord?” asked the sinner. “Yes, I know you. My Mother told me all about you,” Jesus replied. “But I don’t even know your Mother,” protested the sinner. “That’s all right. Your mother never ceased telling things about you to my Mother,” Jesus said with smile. Lord, thank you for my mother and our Mothers. Amen.
This is all for now, watch for next bulletin. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL.
Your Priest-Servant and Parochial Administrator,
Fr. Reggie