Ascension Sunday Homily

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On May 15, I had the privilege of attending with my family two “virtual” college graduations – one of a niece, the other of a nephew. Memories converged within me of that time in my life. I was very fond of my undergraduate experience and found it difficult to leave; yet, I knew that if I was to grow and develop the gifts that God had given me, I must pursue other endeavors. Graduation is an exciting and a challenging passage on one’s life. This weekend we are also remembering those who have gone into “harm’s way” for the sake of our freedom and sacrificed their lives in the process. “Memorial Day” is far more than the “unofficial” beginning of summer!

We, as Church, celebrate this weekend the “moving on” of Jesus from this earth to the heavenly realm where he reigns exalted with the Father in communion with the Spirit in eternal glory. The “Ascension” is not only a celebration of God’s glory, but also a recognition of our goal and the life we share even now with this loving God. The apostles knew Jesus’ departure was at hand; yet, they must have been mystified when they saw him disappear into the heavens.

 The Word of God today invites us to stir into flame within our hearts that primordial desire we share for communion with God and, at the same time, propels us to share God’s invitation to eternal life with all the nations. In the “Letter to the Ephesians,” Paul prayed that his followers be given “a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him [God].” Knowledge in the Biblical sense is not so much an intellectual experience as it is an intimacy – a relationship that empowers those who accept it with “hope” and “what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1, 17. 19) I always marvel at the words of the angel to the apostles in the traditional account of the “Ascension” as told by Luke in the “Acts of the Apostles:”  “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?” (Acts 1, 11) The messenger of God was simply echoing the command given at the conclusion of the “Gospel of Matthew:” “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28, 19)

Centuries later, Pope St. Leo the Great was pondering the rapid spread of the faith amid horrific trials and persecutions, plagues and wars. He entered into the psyche of the startled apostles and saw that their faith was strengthened by the “Ascension of the Lord:” “…they found joy in what had terrified them before. They were able to fix their minds on Christ’s divinity as he sat at the right hand of his Father, since what was presented to their bodily eyes no longer hindered them from turning all their attention to the realization that he had not left his Father when he came down to earth, nor had he abandoned his disciples when he ascended into heaven.” (from Office of Readings, Friday Sixth Week of Easter)

Mingled with the stories told this weekend of war heroes are the accounts of medical professionals and first responders who are now risking their lives for those who suffer from the invisible enemy known as the “coronavirus.” Anyone who makes such sacrifices has to be motivated by desires to pursue greater good than comfort and success. To all who go off into the great “unknown” and “risk” their lives, the reminder of Jesus at the conclusion of today’s gospel must never be forgotten: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28, 20)

Yours in the Risen Lord,
Fr. Bill Foley