CATHOLIC HOMILIES: SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION HOMILY (YEAR A)

CATHOLIC HOMILIES: SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION HOMILY (YEAR A)

HOMILY THEME: CHRIST’S ASCENSION, OUR HOPE KEPT ALIVE

BY: Rev. Fr. Jacob Aondover ATSU

HOMILY: READINGS: ACTS 1:1-11, PSALM 47, EPHESIANS 1:17-23, MATTHEW 28:16-20

“Gladden us with holy joys, almighty God, and make us rejoice with devout thanksgiving, for the Ascension of Christ your Son is our exaltation, and, where the Head has gone before in glory, the Body is called to follow in hope.” Amen.

The Ascension of Jesus into heaven (Ascensio Iesu) is the earthly departure of Christ from earth into the presence of God. Acts of the Apostles 1:9-11 shows Jesus going up into heaven after giving his disciples a valedictory charge. In Christian art, this solemnity is captured with utmost importance especially for the Church Militant. Christ is sketched as taken up in a cloud and with his hands opened and lowered on the Church – his disciples: meaning, he emptied his hearty blessings upon the Church. Today therefore, we celebrate not only the triumphant and powerful taking up to glory of Christ by God, but we rejoice at the numerous blessings that Christ bequeaths on us who journey with him.

Scripture attest to the fact of this solemnity: Mark 16:19; “So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of the Father”. Luke 24:51, “As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven.” Acts 1:9, “When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and in a cloud took him from their sight.” In all these accounts, we see a master who loves his children so much that he wouldn’t leave them without counselling them seriously. He not only taught them, he blessed same teachings in their hearts. He also promised them power from on high when they receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) and according to him, this Spirit will aid their witnessing of him to all the world.

Today, I am proud of my belief and conviction in the Catholic Church who has Christ as her author and company (he’s with her to the close of the age Matt. 28:20). I am so proud to be Jesus’ disciple for he alone sustains my faith and enhances my journey towards my own ascension back to the Father.

Also, whenever I remember that my master is seated closest to God, by his right; my pride heightens. Because then I realize that my friend, brother, saviour and Lord who knows me and understands my humanness is right where my security lies, so, I can only go about my life without fear. Finally, when the thought of the promised advocate comes to my mind, I ‘swagger’ more for Christ and say ‘No Shaking’ for my life is assured and my safety guaranteed. What about you?
He ascended to prepare a fitting home for us. May the ascended Christ save the world from the deadening and virulent strain of COVID-19. Amen.

HELP THE POOR, FEED THE HUNGRY.

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