Reflections on the Ascension

       The richness of the liturgical readings for Eucharist on the feast of the Ascension struck me as more Spirit filled than ever before. The connection between the Ascension and Pentecost seemed so very obvious. The patience that Jesus showed with the ignorance of those who knew him best became more astounding than ever before and assured me that Jesus will also have patience with me.

       In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus clearly tells the Apostles that in a few days they will-be baptized with the Holy Spirit. The response of the apostles clearly indicates they had no clue to what Jesus meant. “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel?”  Jesus responded to their confusion by sending two men in white garments to calm their false hopes and beliefs. 

       Jesus frequently goes to great lengths to help us understand! How blessed we are with some two thousand years since the time of Christ to see the Scripture through the eyes of saints theologians and Scripture scholars. I was blessed during the reading of this text by recalling that the Spirit often helps me believe and understand passages by a simple understanding and acceptance of God’s Word. From study, reading and meditation we are in a much better position to understand and appreciate God’s Word than his very first apostles and followers.

        After reminding us in the second reading that his disciples will be “filled with the fullness of the One who fills all things in every way, I felt the fullness of joy, hope, and peace, Alleluia! I remembered again that God is closer to me than my own skin, and wished the same blessing for all God’s people. 

        Sr.Victoria Eisenmann,OSB