When Jesus ascended into heaven and left his disciples, he did not leave them alone. Eric Immel, SJ, reminds us that Christ remains with us too in this One-Minute Homily. Based on the readings for the Ascension of the Lord.
It’s a famous scene in movies – someone rides away in a car or on a train, leaving behind the person who loves them most in the world. Talk about a tug at the ol’ heartstrings.
I’m Eric Immel, and this is my One-Minute Reflection.
Today, most places in the US celebrate the Ascension – that time when Jesus gives his final instruction and says goodbye. It’s the Gospel version of that famous scene – Jesus’ followers and friends stand below, watching the person they love most head off to heaven.
Lucky for us, Jesus doesn’t really leave anyone behind – he promises to remain with us always, and he has prepared us to live on in his love. He has prepared us for the work he calls us to, and offers us his holy spirit that continues to animate the mission of the Church he and the spirit establish.
When that car or train rolls off into the distance – when Jesus is taken up and out of sight, we can’t stand there looking forever. The time is now to carry on.
