7th Week of Easter – Sunday C – Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Published on 31 May 2025 at 13:07

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather on this solemn feast—the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord—we reflect on a moment that marks both an end and a beginning: the glorious ascension of Jesus into heaven. Saint Luke, our gospel writer, invites us into this profound event with his characteristic style—clear, purposeful, and filled with hope. His words are not merely about Christ’s departure but of the mission he entrusted to us – his Church.

Luke’s writing, especially in the Acts of the Apostles, is deliberate. He begins by indicating Jesus’ actions and teachings—"all that Jesus did and taught"—to help us contextualize the fullness of his mission. The ascension, therefore, is not an abrupt ending but a fulfillment of what Jesus came to do: to teach, to suffer, to rise, and now, to ascend.

Now, Luke addresses both his writings to “Theophilus”—a name meaning “friend of God” which the reader through introspection can examine whether or not they themselves can be said to bear this status. Scholars, however, believe that Theophilus was a historical person, possibly a prominent figure—perhaps a Roman official or a high-ranking Gentile convert (since Luke addresses him as “most excellent”). He was certainly a person interested in and open to understanding the Christian faith more deeply. There is even a theory that Theophilus was a person of high religious status, such as Theophilus ben Ananus, the High Priest in Jerusalem around A.D. 37–41, which would suggest that Luke’s writings were meant to serve as a careful, orderly account for someone with influence and curiosity about the newly-emerging Christian community. Whether this is the case or a more symbolic figure representing all believers who are “friends of God,” the key point remains: Luke’s Gospel and the Acts are intended to instruct and reassure those seeking truth, both then and now.

We notice how Luke describes Jesus’ final moments: He appears to the disciples after his resurrection, speaking about the kingdom of God, and instructing them to wait for the Holy Spirit. The question the disciples ask—“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”—reflects their still-limited understanding of the divine plan. But Jesus gently redirects their gaze from earthly expectations to the divine promise: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and to the ends of the earth.” Now, a lot of those to whom he spoke these words ended up being martyred in this world, but then of course, having opened their eyes in paradise, they began to understand better the full impact and ramifications of Christ’s death and victory over death – and the power of the Holy Spirit that was imparted. That said, brothers and sisters, we must always remember that it begins in our hearts. “The Kingdom of God, is within you.” God wishes to reign within us – to make his abode therein. What a grace, privilege and honour it is to be a temple of the Holy Spirit, through which glory is lifted up to God.

In the second reading from Ephesians, Paul prays that the eyes of our hearts be enlightened—an invitation to us to see with spiritual clarity the hope, the glory, and the immense power at work within us. Perhaps the greatest challenge of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV will be to restore clarity to the beautiful and sound doctrine which has animated the Body of Christ for centuries, something which as well-meaning as he may have been, was compromised in the former papacy. As faithful, sheep following the Good Shepherd, Christ, we need to hear his voice clearly and unambiguously.

As we contemplate the Ascension, Luke is clearly pointing out the Lord’s parting wish – that we be his instruments throughout all the world. Therefore, as we look up to the sky today, let us remember that our gaze is not meant to be fixed only on the clouds but on the mission Jesus has entrusted to us. We are witnesses of his love, His forgiveness, and His hope. The Spirit is given to empower us, to fill us with boldness, and to inspire our service. The miracles he has worked in our lives, and through our lives, will continue to motivate us.

May we, like the disciples, return to our daily lives filled with joy and renewed purpose, praising God and proclaiming the good news. For in Christ’s ascension, we find our hope—the hope that one day, we too, will share in his glorious kingdom.

Mary, Mother of God, be a light unto our paths, that we too may serve him with complete humility and trust, just as you did. Thank-you dearest Mother and may you, this day, be celebrating with your Divine Son, the splendour of the Eternal Banquet with all the angels and saints who already now eternally look upon the face of God. Pray for us, that He himself may afford us the same grace – to be with Him forever. Amen.

 


Add comment

Comments

Annette Flanagan
a month ago

I have been on a journey learning more about Jesus, and our Roman Catholic Faith. I want to thank you for this wonderful site as it helps me feel closer to God, our father. I have recently completed the RCIA course at my local church, Our Lady of Grace. I have all my Catholic Sacraments, but I needed to learn more, and was fortunate to meet 5 new people who wanted to become Catholic. It was so beautiful to watch & participate in the joy of my new found friends becoming Catholic. I just shared this site with them as I hope they can grow in their faith with the help of this site.

franciscanpreacher.com
a month ago

Thank-you Annette, it is so beautiful to see how God works in the lives of our brothers and sisters, after tasting and seeing his tenderness and sweetness ourselves. Praise God for your witness! Keep it up. FP