Happy Ascension Thursday! We remember today that Jesus has not left us orphans, but promises to send us His Holy Spirit. He is no longer physically here on earth, but we are! We, the Church, are now to be His body on earth and carry on the mission to witness to Him and spread the Gospel. I've been thinking what does it really mean to be a witness? St. Josemaria Escriva says, "Our responsibility is great because to be Christ's witness implies first of all that we should try to behave according to His doctrine, and that we should struggle to make our actions remind others of Jesus and his most loveable personality." When I read this, I think, "Ok follow His teachings, I can do that." But the second part really gets me. I feel that struggle to make my actions remind others of Jesus, and oftentimes they are anything but loveable. As I reflect on these past few weeks, its easy for me to pinpoint some of those struggles: my stubbornness, pride, selfishness, and I know those are definitely not leading others to Jesus. However, when God gives me the grace to overcome myself, in just a little way, I am able to reflect His Love. Usually I am surprised at how a little sacrifice like spending some extra time with the students, can result in a beautiful conversation about following God's will for us, or how staying up to keep someone company ends with a late night ice cream snack. Today I was reminded of this in a very real way when I went on an errand to the post office. After two of the postal workers going out of their way to help me, in spite of being very busy, I met my friend in the parking lot. I'm not positive that he is homeless, but he definitely spends most of his day outside the shopping center helping pick up the carts. We had a delightful conversation and I was so uplifted by his outlook. He said, "I don't take anything for granted, not even my next breath. I'm thankful for everything I have." What a testament to a life lived in hope and gratitude! God knows us and how to give us these glimpses of His grace!
We had the opportunity recently to hear Christopher West speak on his new book, "Fill These Hearts". It is a beautiful testimony to our Christian belief that we were created for more. Nothing on this earth can satisfy our deepest desires, because we were made for Heaven and to be united with God. He points out that intimate love with a spouse is meant to give us a glimpse of that "Heavenly Banquet", but can never fulfill us, because we were created for Love ... God Himself. It's a perfect reminder on this feast of the Ascension that Jesus is going ahead of us to prepare a place for us. He doesn't ask the Father to take us out of the world, but to keep us from evil. He desires us to live, love and serve in order to bring about a more just and peaceful society. He wants us to be His representatives here on earth.
Today our challenge is not to 'stand there staring up at the sky' after Jesus has ascended, but to get out and share this message with the world. Our Savior Lives! He is in each one of us and is sending us forth to Follow His Call.
Today our challenge is not to 'stand there staring up at the sky' after Jesus has ascended, but to get out and share this message with the world. Our Savior Lives! He is in each one of us and is sending us forth to Follow His Call.
