The Ascension

The Ascension

A disciple is a learner – a student – a person committed to learning what the master has to teach. A modern parallel would be an apprentice – or a student musician asking a master musician to be his/her teacher.

The disciple is expected not only to learn what the master teaches, but also to put it into practice. Making disciples is about bringing others to embrace a new way of living, to become devoted followers of Jesus, and to imitate his way of life.

This is a slow process that cannot be rushed, a process that requires patience and personal involvement [accompaniment] on the part of the teacher.

The commission of the Risen Lord to his still fearful and confused disciples must have seemed overwhelming, impossible even. But Jesus assured them that they will not be alone.

To enable his disciples to carry out his commission, he assures them of his continuing presence with them. Jesus remains Emmanuel – God with us – as much after his ascension as before.

Yes, his physical presence among them ceases. This was limited to the period of his earthly life. Now, as Risen Lord, he is present to them through his Spirit, a presence without limitation.

Significantly, Jesus did not say, ‘I will be with you’ but rather ’I am with you,’ promising an always-current presence. And so, the disciples of Jesus will not be overwhelmed, but rather emboldened and empowered to carry out the commission they have received.

And we, too, his disciples today, struggling to continue his mission in these uncertain and difficult will not be overwhelmed, for he who has sent us remains with us ‘until the end of time.’                                                  Michael McCabe - SMA sma.ie

Deeds speak louder than Words

Deeds speak louder than Words

In our human relationships we would hardly be content with a third-party knowledge of another person. ‘What’s he or she like?’ has somehow to be filled in through direct contact. It’s simply the way things are done in getting acquainted.

Too many of us know God through the experience of others. We treat him like the dentist or the doctor. We know where they are, but only when we are hurting. Today Jesus says ‘I will show myself to (you).’ It is an invitation to get personal with him.

Unlike human relationships there are no orphans with Jesus. His friendship is intimate, available and constant. We may feel alone, but our feelings mislead. Jesus is at pains to assure us of this. Other friends may depart. He will not.

Every relationship needs minding and care. Yes, there is a price tag: keeping his commandments. Deeds speak louder than words. An authentic Christian life will make an impact (second reading). It will cause people to stop, stare and question. We should have an answer ready.

People talk a lot of ‘full disclosure’ in world affairs. Anything that hints of a cover-up is rightly suspected. ‘Keep my commandments’ is more than private adherence, it’s about public witness.

Trust in God still

Trust in God still

It’s the word still that catches the eye. Still hints that our world abounds with conflict and division, with repeated cases of injustice, discrimination and intolerance. Faced with this, it can be increasingly hard to trust anyone or anything. Still asks us to cling on.

It reminds us that in the end, all will be well. Yes, He will come back. Everyone will see him – you will, I will. It means the dead will push back the dirt of the earth and break the surface of the sea. Numberless generations will behold their God.

But still means more. It speaks of the heavenly reassurance to earthly disciples. Jesus must have wondered at times at his choice of apostles. Think of the endless hours of explanation he could have saved himself had he chosen more brilliant men.

And yet because Thomas needed reassurance we have Christ’s beautiful words, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.’ Because Philip needs to have things spelled out, Christ reminds that ‘whoever has seen me has seen the Father’.

For the cream of the crop, these apostles were a bit thick: sceptical Thomas, obtuse Philip, hot-headed Peter. And yet, they found favour with Christ. Can we, in all our muddled lives, not hope for as much?

‘You are a chosen race, a holy nation, a people set apart…’ (From today’s Second reading)