Lk. 14:23-29
“Perhaps the transformation of the disciples of Jesus is the greatest evidence of all for the resurrection.” (John R. W. Stott) Whenever Jesus mentioned his passion and death during his public ministry, the disciples were saddened and disturbed. They were frightened of his absence from their lives. If he died, how could they re-establish the throne of King David? How did they get prominent places in his kingdom? These factors were the causes of their major concern and anxiety. However, in the ascension narrative, we witness the transformed disciples of Jesus. Even though Jesus was departing from them and ascending into heaven, they were not sad; they were extremely happy. The forty days that Jesus spent with them transformed them completely. They did not have any doubt concerning the identity or personality of Jesus. The Resurrection and the post-resurrection experience helped disciples to understand the person of Jesus in depth. This awareness helped them to recommit their lives fully to the mission of Jesus.
Before his ascension, Jesus reminds them of the mission of being his witness to the ends of the earth. Being his witness, which is not expected to be by relying on one’s own strength, but rather it is the Spirit of the Lord that helps a believer to be a faithful witness of Jesus. They have been with him for three years and now they know this message clearly. They remained in Jerusalem, spending time in prayer, preparing themselves for the reception of the Holy Spirit, the assistant given by Jesus who would help each disciple to fulfil the mission of being his courageous and authentic witness.
The first reading of the day, taken from the acts of the apostles, helps us to understand another important dimension of Jesus’ ascension: that it is not an end in itself. It will be complete only when Jesus comes again at the end of time. Similarly, the second reading invites us to reflect on the divine power of Jesus, which enthroned him over the entire cosmos, and he would continue his redemptive mission until his return.
As we celebrate this feast, let us ask ourselves: Do we live our Christian call in its fullness? Like disciples do, we pray and receive the Holy Spirit to be his witness wherever we are. There is no purpose in celebrating this feast if we are not ready to be an authentic witness of Christ by relying on the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. As we celebrate this feast today, let us imitate the example of the disciples, spending time in prayer to prepare themselves to receive the Holy Spirit in order to be courageous and authentic witnesses of Christ.