Get your heads out of the clouds!!

Feast of the Ascension May 12, 2024 Mark 16, 15-20 Today’s first reading from Acts of the Apostles ends with two angels chastising the disciples, “Why are you standing there looking up to sky?” We don’t get the answer, but we know why. Today we celebrate the feast of the Ascension. We remember that Jesus was taking up into heaven and that he is no longer physically present to us. The disciples stood there looking up to sky because Jesus had been taking from them. But the angels chastise the disciples because the disciples of Jesus shouldn’t be looking to the heavens, no, followers of Jesus should have their eyes on the ground. Firmly ahead of them. In some places Ascension was celebrated last Thursday, 40 days after the resurrection as is noted in the first reading today from Acts. In the Gospel reading the Ascension happens at the same time as the resurrection. Ascension is rightly celebrated as part of the Resurrection. They are not two separate events, but they are separated so that we can reflect more deeply on two aspects of one single event. What is it that we are celebrating today? We are celebrating that Jesus was taking from us, that the physical body of Jesus is no longer present here among us. We know that the Holy Spirit is always with us but unlike Thomas in the Gospels we can no longer touch Jesus, we can’t put our hands in his side anymore. Unlike Peter and the other disciples, we can no longer sit down and enjoy a meal of fresh fish and baked bread with Jesus. In certain sense what we are celebrating today is the absence of Jesus, but the focus isn’t on Jesus, rather it is on us. Experts say that when a child is about 12 years old you can leave them home alone for a few hours. Of course, a good mother or father know that it isn’t so much the age but the maturity. They know that they can leave their child alone because they trust them and because they know they can give them responsibilities. They trust their children that they aren’t going to burn the house down, and they know that they can leave them with responsibilities during the time they are not home. That is what Jesus is saying today, he trusts us, and he leaves us with responsibility. Jesus had spent three years with the disciples. We know that the disciples weren’t perfect, far from it. Judas betrayed, Peter denied, and Thomas doubted. Jesus had confidence that they were able to continue his mission in the world, so he sends them out with a great responsibility, to preach the Gospel to every creature. It is a great responsibility, but Jesus trusts us to carry on this mission. Now, what about the list of things not to be afraid of. Jesus says they will have power over demons, drink poison, speak new languages, handle snakes, and cure the sick. I don’t know about you, but I am not going to drink any poison. I am afraid of snakes; I have spoken new languages but keep me away from demons and though I’ve visited the sick I don’t know of any miracles that I may have worked. This list really just adds up to one thing. Don’t be afraid. Jesus lists things that people might be afraid of. They might be afraid of going to different countries and learning new cultures. They might be afraid of snakes, poison, and demons, but Jesus by listing these things is telling us that we don’t need to be afraid anything. As his missionaries he will be with us; the Holy Spirit is with us. Whatever road the journey of your life as a Christian might take you, don’t worry because you can be sure that the Lord will travel along with you. So, let’s get our head out of the clouds, and look forward. Look forward as we go forth to proclaim the Good News and bring them salvation.