DATE : 13/5/2021
EVENT : The Ascension of the Lord (Solemnity), Holy day of Obligation
COLOUR: White
READINGS : Acts 1:1-11;
Resp. Psalm 46:2-3,6-9; Ephesians 4:1-13; Mark 16:15-20.
THEME: WILL YOU ASCEND ALSO?
Greetings beloved people of God. I welcome you to "My Catholic Homily Digest". On this thirteenth day of May, which is the solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord into heaven, I wish to reflect with you on the theme: " Will You Ascend Also?" Beloved in Christ, even without been told or mincing words, I can confidently say that the final dream of all men and women is to ascend to heaven on the last day, when rapture will take place. Scripture tells us that on the day of rapture, two women will be grinding at the meal, one will ascend to heaven and the other left. Two men will be at the mines, one taken and the other left. Two friends will be interacting, one will be taken up, and one will be left. A congregation will be praying in the Church, some will be ascending and others will be watching in bewilderment. The question that is begging for answers is these: who will be the raptured one? Who and who will join in ascending to heaven? When will rapture take place?
Dearest, it is already forty days, since Jesus defeated death, conquered sin and rose from the grave. According to the account of the Bible, after His resurrection, Jesus stayed with his disciples and followers for many days. Now, during this period, he frequently appeared to his followers, strengthening their faith in everything he had thought them. He also gave them further teachings and instructions about how to execute his salvivic mission, from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. When he has certified that his followers have been adequately fortified and prepared, and seeing that his mission on earth has come to a close, he gathered his disciples at Bethany, and from there he was taken up into the heavens until he vanished from their sights. Thus, sequel to these antecedents, the Church celebrates today, the glorious ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ into heaven from whence he descended. So, every year, the Church celebrates the Ascension of the Lord, forty days from Easter Sunday, which is usually a Thursday.
In the various readings of today, we get a hint of evidences, affirming the doctrine of Ascension. However, the Doctrine of Ascension was narrated by only two Gospels, Mark 16:19-20; and Luke 24:50-53, and Acts 1:1-11, from which we took the first reading of today. Furthermore, the Psalmist exclaimed, 'God goes up with shout of joy, the lord ascends with trumpet blast'. Indeed, the Ascension of Jesus is a great joy for us, for where our master has gone, we too shall follow in the same light. But to follow Him, we need to purify our tunics and sanctify our hearts from all dirts of sin and wickedness. Interestingly, the second and the Gospel readings of today, tell of the wonderful gifts, blessings and graces which the Holy Spirit from Jesus, would bestow on those who will wash their robes in the blood of the lamb. The readings continue and said, while they will act as prophets, teachers, pastors, Apostles, and evangelists; they will heal the sick, preach fearlessly, love truly, give generously, prayer unceasingly, raise the dead, pick up snakes and remain alive when they eat deadly poison.
Child of God, it is often said that, 'repetition strengthens the memory, and continuous instructions, build the mind and conscience'. Thus, as we annually celebrate these sacred rites as religious persons, I which to warn you that, the tendency for many of us is merely to follow the rituals and fulfil all righteousness according to the laws of the Church regarding holy days of obligation. We often do not ponder on the mysteries we celebrate. Most of us do not give a serious consideration and thought to the various salvivic events that we celebrate yearly. Listen to me, there are many people, who celebrated last year's Ascension Thursday, but are not around to celebrate this one. Now, you have the opportunity to witness this year's Ascension, next year's is not assured to anybody. So, why not live your life as one, hoping to Ascend to Heaven when rapture would take place. Why not consider being a little bit more prayerful, moral and spiritual. Finally, having ascended to heaven, Christ is waiting anxiously to welcome and receive us into his home. I hope you will ascend also?
Oh that today you would listen to his voice harden not your hearts (Ps.95:7-8).
LET US PRAY : Lord Jesus, help me to be conscious of my actions. And grant me the grace to be among your elect that shall Ascend with rapture.....
The Lord be with you....... and with your Spirit.
May Almighty God bless you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ....Amen
HAPPY ASCENSION THURSDAY BELOVED FRIENDS
@ Fada Emmanuel Nnamdi Megwara, MSP. ⛪
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