The Ascension of the Lord

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11 It is quite normal, when being in the presence of God, to want to remain there forever. Just as it happened in the transfiguration of Our Lord that Peter wanted to make three shelters, so now when the Apostles see Jesus ascend into Heaven, it seems they remained still, not wanting to carry on just yet. Jesus had already told them to go and make disciples of all nations (Mt 28,19), yet they first needed to be clothed with the power from on high (Lk 24, 49) to continue on with their mission. Hence this time between the Ascension of our Lord and Pentecost is so important. The Apostles obeyed Jesus and they remained in the city waiting for the Father’s promise. With one heart they joined constantly in prayer with the Virgin Mary until they received the Holy Spirit to become his witnesses to earth’s remotest end. Let us also persevere in prayer with our Mother Mary, waiting to receive the Father’s promise, His Holy Spirit. So when Pentecost comes, instead of finding us longing for our past experiences with God, He may find our hearts ready and disposed to receive a new effusion of His power to continue with our Mission and bear everlasting fruit.