HOMILY FOR SUNDAY OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST YEAR A. (5)

HOMILY FOR SUNDAY OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST YEAR A.

THEME: WE CAN ONLY SUCCEED BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

BY: Fr. Boniface Ogonna.

1st reading Acts 1:1-11
Resp. Ps 46
2nd reading. Eph 1:17-23
Gospel. Lk 24:46-53

Although, most ecclesiastical regions of the Catholic Church have the celebrated ascension on Thursday, today the western world and other part of the church celebrates this solemnity. Ascension is an important solemnity that marks the return of Jesus to the Father. Together with the Resurrection, it is a manifestation of the victory of Christ.

Ascension of our Lord Jesus sustains the hope of Christians that one day we shall be where Christ is. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that: “Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, precedes us into His Father’s glorious kingdom, so that we, the members of his body, may live in the hope of one day being with him forever.” (665-667).

The first reading from Acts of the Apostles recounts the events of Christ’s moment on earth with his apostles before his ascension into heaven. Christ instructs his Apostles here: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait there for what the Father has promised.” Christ encourages his disciple to remain faithful. Most importantly, he reminds them that their success will depend on their ability to walk with the Holy Spirit. These instructions are also meant for us too. It reminds us that before we set out for any business or project, we must commend ourselves to the guidance and counsel of the Holy Spirit.

In the second reading, Paul prays to ask God to send us the Holy Spirit: “May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ give you the Spirit of wisdom and perception of what is revealed, to bring you the full knowledge of him.” This must be our prayer and wish every day of our life. We must invite the Holy Spirit to take control of our entire mission. We must invite him to lighten the dark spots of our lives as Paul prays: “May he enlighten the eyes of your minds so that you can see the hope his call holds for you.” We must ask him to lead the way so that we follow him. This is because his ways and counsels are right.

In today’s gospel, Jesus knew that his apostles needed help to succeed. So he instructed them: “…Stay in the city until you are clothed with the power from on high.” We must seek this power if we must make any positive impact on our world. Therefore, we must pay attention to what Jesus tells us in today’s gospel. As an experienced master, He knows the terrain we are about to walk. He knows how delicate the hearts of men of our age are. He knows how challenging our task is and what it takes to be successful. He knows that only the Holy Spirit can help us.

Therefore, Ascension marks the beginning of the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to us. So, as we celebrate the solemnity of Ascension today, Jesus reminds us that irrespective of our knowledge and human capabilities, we need divine help in order to succeed. This divine help will come from the Holy Spirit, to whom we must always pay attention.

So, as we celebrate the Ascension of Christ today and expect the fulfillment of His promise on Pentecost Sunday, let us pray: “Sent forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.”
Happy Ascension day celebration

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