Daily Reflection for Thursday, May 21, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on the readings for the Ascension of the Lord at this link: http://cms.usccb.org/bible/readings/052120-ascension.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Responsorial: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23
Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
Our reflection on Thursday’s readings:
And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age. Matthew 28: 20
Today we celebrate Ascension Thursday, where we recognize that Jesus leaves this earthly existence and joins the heavenly kingdom. So hard to grasp at times, as my mind takes over and contemplates more on the how this happened versus sinking into the sacred message of the ascension. It’s interesting how my mind and heart have a harder time understanding the concept of the ascension than the miracle of the resurrection.
I read the scripture with a deeper longing during this pandemic. Perhaps I am looking for words of assurance that all will be well. I am searching for words that will give me answers to all my "why" questions. As I reflect on the ascension, I am invited to go deeper into my contemplation with all my questions. Jesus says to us today, “and behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” This is the passage that helps me understand with my mind and my heart.
As I journey through the present moment, I recognize Jesus in our midst and that this Divine presence is calling me to show up and walk my talk with zeal and fervor. I think that this has always been true but the pandemic heightens this for me. Jesus' words today align with the words that I pray often, on earth as it is in heaven.
I have come to understand that when I join in community in advancing peace and justice, love of neighbor and the poor, and forgiving trespasses, that in some way I am not only understanding the ascension but believing in the mystery of it all. Jesus speaks to us today: And behold I am with you always, until the end of the age. Jesus is with me always. This is the ascension. Jesus joins heaven and earth today. This is the ascension. Acting out of faith and love and in service to my neighbor, this is the ascension. Matching my walk with my talk matters and perhaps has a new urgency as I fully participate in the on earth as it is in heaven sacred mystery.
May you sense the joining of heaven and earth today,
Margarita Solis Deal