032 The Ascension of the Lord

Readings

Cycle B Ascension of the Lord into Heaven

Second Reading: Ephesians 4:1-13

First Reading: Acts 1: 1-:11

Gospel: Mark 16:15-20

Psalm: Psalm 47

In this USA Diocese this week, The Ascension of the Lord will be celebrated this Sunday, but in other Dioceses it may still be the 7th Sunday of Easter, with different scripture Readings

Homily Theme

You will be my Witnesses

What were the final words of Jesus before ascending into Heaven? “You will be my Witnesses” He tells them. They have many questions but Jesus requires Witnessing. Since these are His final words they must be memorized and lived, by us also. We are to be Witnesses to His saving power in our lives, not just by the words we speak, but by the way that we live our faith each day.

The first disciples, who were Jews, laid down their lives in painful martyrdom, a powerful and most convincing Witness to the truths of Jesus’ Resurrection and final Ascension into Heaven. Few there are who would have had faith enough to die for the truth, but none would die for an untruth: We all believe because of their Witness. Who believes because of our Witness? Can we claim at least one convert who has accepted the Faith because of us? If not, how strong has our Witness been?

The second word for our meditation today, is Heaven. Since none of us have ever experienced Heaven, what is it like? St Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:9, The eye has not seen nor the ear heard , neither has it entered into the heart of man what things God has prepared for those who love Him. Think of the greatest sights you have ever seen or the greatest music you have ever heard and then think of the greatest love you have ever felt. This is nothing compared to the sights, sounds and love that awaits us in Heaven. Just as the life we experience here on earth is far greater to the life we experienced in the womb. In Heaven we will be perfect in every way. No more sickness, no more pain, only everlasting joy, peace and love. Jesus ascended into Heaven to prepare a place there for us also, who have Witnessed by our faith in His life, death and resurrection by living our Faith here.

We have received also Heavenly Witnessing through apparitions and miracles such as Lourdes and Fatima, there are also those who have had near death experiences and have returned to Witness to their life changing experiences. Don’t wait for death in order to believe. Be a real Witness. The alternative will be an everlasting existence in Hell.

We do not know the day nor the hour He will come for us.