Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord - Acts 1:1-11; Eph 1:17-23; Lk 24:46-53

06-01-2025Weekly ReflectionThe Faithful Disciple

Every day the world urges us to place our trust in countless things: money, brands, self-improvement methods — all with instant results! As Christians, however, we know that only God’s promises are worth betting everything on, and they are not fulfilled on our self-determined timelines. Today’s readings portray Jesus, the wounds of his crucifixion still visible, accompanying his followers for 40 days after his resurrection.

Now the Apostles, some with questions of their own, are asked to wait once more for “the promise of the Father” of which they heard Jesus speak: baptism by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. For the Apostles as for us, following Christ is not an easy path, the Apostles likely were wondering what to expect in this “baptism.” The fulfillment of God’s promises doesn’t always happen quickly, nor are we usually able to grasp the big picture at the moment of fulfillment. Nevertheless, it is in these periods of waiting that faith takes root and deepens. Uncertainty makes room for faith, and as the Holy Spirit descends into our life and makes things clear, we see the beauty in God’s mysterious and loving plan for us.

There’s a saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” It is often a matter of timing and expectations around life that can sew doubt into our faith. In the first reading, the Apostles ask the resurrected Christ if now he would restore the kingdom of Israel. He responds, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons.” We are reminded that our faith never obligates us to know what events are to come, and which date in our calendars to mark. Our role, as the second reading says, is to let our “hearts be enlightened, that [we] may know what is the hope that belongs to his call.” We wait in faith for the Holy Spirit to move and enlighten us to what God wills. We can rest secure in the assurance that we will be given all we need.

Is your prayer sometimes full of questions about God’s timing and intentions, or are you able to wait in faith for God to act? Ask the Holy Spirit for the faith and hope you need to remain at peace as you wait. Then, keep your eyes fixed on Christ, and be not afraid.