Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord (Homily)
May 17, 2015 5:00 pm · Father David Mbimadong
The texts chosen for our reflection today recall how Jesus returned to his Father after his resurrection from the dead. In addition, they give a picture of how Jesus reminded his Apostles that his kingdom is not a political one. He made them to understand that it is a kingdom of life and love, a kingdom of truth and trust.
Before he was taken out of their sight, Jesus sent the Apostles on a mission with these words: "Go out to the whole world. Proclaim the Good News to all of creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned." He added, "These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils, they will have the gift of tongues. They will pick up snakes in their hands, and will be unharmed if they drink deadly poison. They will lay hands on the sick, who will recover.” Jesus disclosed to his disciples that the source and power of that kingdom is the working of the Holy Spirit. Therefore the disciples were to wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit before moving out of Jerusalem to proclaim the message of salvation to the whole world.
