Friars Corner: Jesus blessed them and went back to heaven
Fr. Bob Hilz, TOR
Ascension: Acts 1:1-11; Psalms 47: 2-3 and 6-9; Ephesians 1:17-23; Luke 24:46-53
7th Sunday after Easter: Acts 7:55-60; Psalms 97:1-2 , 6-7, 9; Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20; John 17:20-26
In most dioceses and states of our country this Solemn Feast of the Ascension was moved to this 7th Sunday after Easter. This was done to explain from Scripture on the event of Jesus finishing his work on earth and going back to heaven. His three-year work of public ministry of healing, teaching and feeding thousands ending in his death on the cross carrying the punishment for the sins of the entire human race, was ended. God, our Father, showed us clearly that he accepted the death of his Son on our behalf, thus forgiving our sins. The Scriptures tell us clearly that Jesus appeared to many after his Resurrection for forty days with many signs and miracles.
Be my witnesses
At the end of those forty days, as St. Luke tells us today in chapter 24 of his gospel, we are to announce to the world that “forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his Name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are to be my witnesses of these things.”
Then in John and Luke, Jesus tells the disciples to remain in the city for nine days until he and his Father will send them their Holy Spirit to empower them for this new work of evangelization.
As we read Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, we understand more what happened on that first Catholic Pentecost. We shall celebrate that next week.
The first novena
These nine days, as commanded by our scriptures, are the first novena, to fast and pray for a greater awareness and power of what and how God wants us to share his good news with our family, friends and neighbors. If we are empowered to be torches for Jesus, ambassadors for his kingdom, our churches won’t close, no matter what attacks the dark side forces throw at us. As people see and hear about the changes in our lives, they will want to come and take advantage fhemselves of what we have from our Father, Jesus and their Holy Spirit. Are you ready to get “lit up”? In this new Light of Jesus and the Holy Spirit is much joy.
Have a blessed and fruitful week,
+ Fr. Bob Hilz
fbhilz@gmail.com
(© 2019 Fr. Bob Hilz, TOR)
