The Feast of the Ascension reminds us of the exalted presence of the Lord and its effect upon us who have been incorporated into His Body. "We no longer regard Him in the flesh", St. Paul writes. And then he continues
This means that if anyone is in Christ
He is a new creation.
The old order has passed away;
now all is new! (2 Cor. 5:16-17)
"Man has been re-expressed in Christ", John Paul II would say (cf. Redemptor Hominis, n. 10).
Read the relevant article here and use the following as your reflection guide.
1. The vertical movement of Jesus' ascension has a corresponding horizontal movement by the Church: evangelization. Through the preaching of the gospel, each man is to claim for himself the fruits of Jesus' death and resurrection in repentance.
Reflect: The acceptance of the message of the apostles is made in a spirit of conversion. For us who have been baptized, the yearly renewal of our baptismal vows is an occassion for reliving the moment of our turning to Christ. Think back upon the renewal of your baptismal vows done during the Easter vigil. How serious were you about it?
2. "You are witnesses of these things"
We who have been baptized should be living witnesses of the salvation God has wrought in Christ.
Reflect: "To be a witness" is to live in such a way that those who come into contact with you are made to understand what "being forgiven by God" means. Are you such a witness?
3. The Ascension of the Lord means that the Lord will be experienced now in a new way through the Spirit that He pours upon us.
Reflect: During our baptism that "power from on High" was poured into us, empowering us to call Jesus' Father "Abba!". Hence, being "child of God" means "being Spiritual". How spiritual are you? How have you been living according to the Spirit?
