June 01, 2025・Solemnity of the Ascension (C)

Acts 1.1-11・Psalm 47.2+3,6+7,8+9 ・Hebrews 9.24-28,10.19-23・Luke 24.46-53

The observance of the Solemnity of the Ascension takes the place 7th Sunday of Easter. We first of all must consider that this Ascension event is part of Jesus` Resurrection. We must at the same time consider that this Ascension event is not about Jesus who left His Church on this earth forever, but is about the presence of the Holy Spirit among us. Liturgically, we celebrate the Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit a week after our observance of the Solemnity of the Ascension.  

The Resurrection of Jesus indeed includes the emphases of both His Ascension and the Descent of the Holy Spirit. The Ascension and the Descent of the Holy Spirit tell about the everlasting presence of Jesus in our individual lives as well as in our community living.

Let us all offer therefore this week- long reflection to be able to understand deeper what our observance of today`s Solemnity tells us in our present daily faith life. In our present life, we have been enjoying the presence and the guidance of God`s Spirit. Indeed, from today`s observance of the Solemnity of the Ascension, we are called to deepen our understanding and awareness of the works of the Holy Spirit here and now. The Holy Spirit already among us enables us to love not only our own selves but our neighbors too. It is our great joy that the Holy Spirit is enabling us to become the face of Jesus in the modern world, and therefore enabling us to become a visible and continuing presence of Jesus in this world for others.