Six-year old Jason loved his grandparents very much, partly because he was them almost every day. His grandparents picked him up after school, helped him with homework, and played with him until his parents got home from work. Then grandpa died. This was very hard for Jason; he missed that third hand at “Go, Fish,” and Grandpa’s reading to him when Grandma began supper, and the wonderful hug good-bye each day. After a few weeks, one day when Grandma picked him up, Jason hopped into the car, buckled up his seat belt, then blurted out, “OK, Grandma, God has had Grandpa long enough; please ask God to send him back.” Children, and adults struggle with the finality of human death. It is no wonder, then that the disciples after the resurrection were still struggling with the reality of Jesus’ risen presence. And, so do we.

   Jesus’ ascending into heaven is not so much a location to which He’s gone. A couple of Italians overheard some American tourists while looking out at the sea on the Italian Riviera, say, “Wow, it looks just live heaven.” To which one of the locals replied, “These Americans, they’ve been everywhere.” Jesus going to heaven was not a reward for doing a good job here on earth. It’s His rightful place at the Father’s side. The right hand of the Father is a designation of power, honor, and authority. It’s a relationship He shares with the Father. This Solemnity ascertains the Lordship of Christ. Yet, He does not leave us orphans. He sent back a new presence through the power of the Spirit.

   The mission given to the early disciples to “go” and make disciples of all nations is now our mission. We are to witness and baptize. By the way we live, we are to carry on His work till the end of the ages. Ours is not to wonder where or when about heaven. The real challenge is how do we respond now to the Good News. We live in a world where hatred, violence, and greed are rampart. We are to witness the Kingdom through compassion, fair play and service to others. Witnessing to truth, baptizing (giving life) is not just for the professional pastoral ministers. We’re all sent. If we wait for assurances of success, or when we finally get it together, we’ll never go. Marriage begins on the fringes of hesitant uncertainty. Parents give birth wondering if they’ll measure up. So, we, as the early disciples, are to go in the midst of doubt. Challenging, “yes,” thus, Christ provides great reassurance by the promise of the abiding presence of His Spirit.

How do we act as disciples in our everyday lives?

How can we go to all nations and make disciples in our lives?

   The Ascension begins a new relationship with Christ. Jesus has not left us; He takes us with Him. He’s present to us NOW in this Eucharist.