Homily: Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension (B)
Mark 16:15-20
12 May 2024
Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez
Today, most of the world over, celebrates Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas, nanays, inays, mommies and moms! Today, we celebrate how special you all are. The lady who raised me was pretty special too. Unfortunately, l can no longer hug and kiss her and buy her gifts and flowers. I miss her very much. She taught me the importance of having friends and going out of my way to always help others. Whenever I recall what she taught me, I know she lives on in me.
Today, the Church celebrates Ascension Sunday. The first important moment that transpires this day is when Jesus leaves the earth and goes back up into heaven. He makes it clear that His friends, followers and loved ones will not be seeing Him for a long time. This is a very sad moment between those who love and respect each other. His followers will always feel that they need Him around to guide and encourage them. His friends and family, as expected will always want Him in their company to go through life experiences with Him. However, we know that everything runs its course and eventually, nothing is left but to move on. Jesus moved on because He had completed His mission on earth. He accomplished what His Father had sent Him to do. He had also passed on what was necessary to His apostles and disciples that they may continue the mission for Him.
Which brings us to the second important moment of this day — the commissioning of His apostles to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) And what is this Good News that they were to proclaim everywhere? They were to proclaim the Good News of salvation won by Christ for all of us believers through His passion, death and resurrection. They were to make known to all peoples that in Christ, our life does not end in emptiness because we have a future with God. It is good to note that He did not leave them alone to fend for themselves. He left them in a community where they would find strength and support with one another as they continued the mission throughout their lives. As the new Body of Christ, they continued the work of Jesus to bring healing and comfort to those who were sick and suffering; forgiveness and wholeness to all those who were estranged and broken-hearted. Moreover, as they carried out the saving mission of Jesus, they were assured of His continued presence in their midst.
In a sense, the Ascension of Our Lord makes us aware that Jesus has not really departed from us. It only seems so. In fact, the Ascension is a way for Jesus to be present in a new manner in our midst as we take on His saving mission. In our work of continuing His work of salvation, we are assured that “the Lord works with us”. We are never alone. His continued presence among us guides and strengthens us as we take up the mission of preaching the gospel, by our word and example. He is with us as we continue to struggle in our earthly pilgrimage. Next week, we celebrate another special occasion — the reason why we can never feel alone. Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit in His place to be our guide and inspiration.
In like manner, all of us baptised Christians share in the same call to preach the Good News to all peoples. We may not be standing up in front of big audiences and speaking into the microphone about Jesus but we can witness to the truth of Jesus by living true Christian lives. Let our lives indeed be “Good News” for others, not “Bad News”. I believe, more than anything else, we need more messengers of hope and light for our brothers and sisters in the darkness of this world. Let us ask ourselves… Are we bearers of the Good News for others in the darkness of this world? Moms, ask yourselves are you bearers of light and love to your children? You have been given such a special role in this world. Not everyone gets to be a mother. Is your life a testament to the Good News of Jesus Christ to your family?
We are all challenged to look beyond this world to the destiny which we are to share with Christ — in the Father’s Kingdom. The Ascension is a reminder of our salvation —proof that there is a place called heaven where our Lord and Saviour has returned to and where He awaits us! For the meantime, we strive to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this earth, hastening our steps towards our heavenly home!
Ascension, Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs, 2020
Sunday Gospel Reflections 