Forty days, whether real or symbolic, after Easter, our Mother the Church invites us to celebrate the Ascension, that is, the rising of Jesus to heaven. This event in fact marks Christ’s return to the Father, where he intercedes for us. Although he is no longer perceptible to our senses, Jesus remains present among us in faith, according to his word: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Mt 18:20). The Ascension thus appears as the fulfillment of Christ’s sacrifice, who redeemed by his blood people from every race, language, people, and nation (Rev 5:9). It also reminds us of the mission he entrusts to us: to bear witness to our faith through evangelization.
Celebrating the Ascension today means affirming our trust and adoration for Jesus, the Son of God. The Gospel of the day challenges us about how we live our faith: “When the disciples saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted” (Mt 28:17). Two attitudes emerge: adoration and doubt.
To prostrate oneself means recognizing the authority of Jesus, accepting him as Master, and believing that everything is possible with him. It is also an act of humility, a way of lowering oneself in order to be raised up. Thus, when Jesus sends us on mission, he calls us to live in humility and trust. This mission consists in serving our brothers and sisters with joy, fidelity, and simplicity, avoiding all abuse of authority or desire for domination. It invites us to go beyond any search for possession or self-fulfillment.
However, some disciples doubt. Doubt, which calls certainty into question, often arises from a lack of trust. It can affect everyone: in relationships with others, with authority, with mission, or even with God. Like the disciples, we all carry our hesitations and resistances.
Through the Ascension, Christ entrusts us with responsibility: he calls us to become his witnesses and collaborators. By ascending, he entrusts us with our journey of faith, sustained by his promises, especially that of eternal life. May God grant us the grace to remain faithful to him.
Sr. ZOUGMORE Awa
Vicariate of St. Francis Coll
