Christ's ascension

As for the eleven disciples, they went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Jesus, they bowed before him, although some doubted. Then Jesus approached them and said, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples from all nations. Baptize them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to fulfill all that I have commanded you. I am with you always until the end of this world.” (Mt. 28:16-20)

Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the above-given scripture, Jesus Christ, before ascending, met his disciples and assured them that he will always be with them until the end of time. Today’s gospel reminds us of Christ’s promise of love and guidance in our day to day endeavors.

“I am with you until the end of this world”. In this chaotic world, it is very difficult to believe and feel that God is with us. I know a lot of people are losing their faith and confidence in our Lord Jesus Christ because of various challenges and difficulties. If Christ is truly with us, why are there sufferings in this world? Isn’t it ironic that Christ told us that he’ll be with us yet when we look around, we see poverty and ordeal? Where is Christ then? Did he forget his promise when he ascended?

Jesus Christ has kept his promise. Our sufferings on earth are his instruments to show his undying and unending love. They are instruments of Christ to teach and to help us become better persons, better Christians.

We best acknowledge Christ’s importance in our lives when we are in despair. We pray a lot and we learn to entrust everything to him for we know that it is only him who can make things possible. If there are times that we think that Christ abandoned us, remember his promise. If God answers our prayers, it means we are meant for that. If not, God is telling us two things: it is not yet time and learn to WAIT.

Christ knows how to work in mysterious ways. Despite the turmoils present in this world, let us keep believing Christ’s words. As what Fr. Jerry Orbos said, “Whatever we are going through right now, please allow the Lord to whisper to you that He is with you, always. This means always, all the time, and whatever you are going through.”

Every Sunday, I always read the column of Fr. Jerry Orbos in the Philippine Daily Inquirer to gain some insights and realizations. This day, he discussed Christ’s ascension and its impact in our lives. Part of his discussion was the question “Why must there be goodbyes?” I tried to answer the question first but I cannot give an answer so I just continued reading his article. As an answer to the question, he said “Because of mission. In everything that happens, there is a reason, there is a mission. All goodbyes, whether to things or persons, are reasons and/or seasons for moving on. Goodbyes should lead to greater mission, not stagnation.”

He is right. Goodbyes are reasons and seasons for moving on. We cannot hold on to something or someone forever. We need to learn to let go and to continue living life. It is never easy to say goodbye. But there are reasons behind that and we need to accept that goodbyes are part of life. Whenever we experience goodbye, we should not think that it is the end of everything. It only marks a new beginning, a new life…