If the disciples had their way, I imagine that they would never have allowed Jesus to leave. Experiencing Jesus’ absence even just for three days turned their world upside down – there was so much grief, pain and helplessness. Now that He is back in their midst as the Risen and Victorious One, they must have wanted Him to stay with them forever.

But Jesus, at the Ascension, teaches His disciples that they need to let go and courageously face what is at hand. And we are instructed to do the same today; and me personally, as I grieve the death of my grandmother who took care of me like I am her own son when my parents separated when I was 4.

And while it may be difficult to see our beloved leave either through death, separation or in the case with our disciples – the Ascension of Jesus, we will now be led and guided, protected and directed but no longer as before; rather, it would now happen in new ways. While Jesus is no longer physically present, He is more powerfully present spiritually, as the group of disciples move on with their mission. The Ascension must happen for the work of salvation to flourish and continue. The mystery of Jesus’ life must now give way to the continuing mystery of other gifts from God, most notably, the gift of the Holy Spirit; and it is now this same Holy Spirit who will complete the work of Jesus in the hearts of disciples.

And so while we may not have the direct answers as to “why” things happen, we can bring ourselves to ask: “How, Lord, do you want me to grow from this (experience)?”; then hopefully, we would have our mind, heart and will conformed to His, and understand that certain things must happen so that we can receive the gifts that are to come.

Remember, the Ascension of Jesus to Heaven needed to happen so that growth may happen: Jesus will be enthroned in heaven; the disciples will take charge over the mission Jesus started in them; and the Churches everywhere continue to know Christ and to make Him better known.

With you in prayers,
Father Erick