Charity, Charity for Lent
Depending on when Ascension was observed. This is for those who don’t observe the 40th day of Easter (Ascension Thursday). Dioceses who don’t observe it would do so on the 7th Sunday of Easter. Other dioceses or archdioceses observe the Ascension and will observe Sunday in the Easter season before Pentecost.
The 40th Day of Easter marks the occasion of Jesus ascending into heaven. The first reading is taken from the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles which recounts the command from the angels after witnessing Jesus ascending into heaven.
“Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.” Acts 1:11.
For three years, Jesus has taught his disciples and apostles one essential truth about our faith journey, we return to our eternal destiny. He reminded them of his passion, death, and resurrection. They all were confused about it. When it was fulfilled, they fully understood. Now, it bears the questions as to what the main message behind this solemnity that is celebrated near the tail end of the Easter season.
When Jesus died, the apostles ran and hid except for Peter and John. Of course, Peter would deny Jesus three times as he was placed on trial It was out of fear. John was the one who followed Jesus to Calvary. It was there that he was given a role as an adopted son of the mother church.
When Jesus rose from the dead, the apostles would be visited by Jesus and would soon see them one last time. As he ascends into heaven, he gives them a command to “go and make disciples for all nations.” The victory has been secured through the cross.
Now, Catholics stand between victory and judgment. For us, we must carry out Christ’s mission in today’s society.
Every time we attend Mass, we respond to the mystery of faith that Christ will come again. We don’t believe that we profess it every time we attend Mass and receive Jesus. Indeed, he will.
As the Easter season comes to an end, let us proclaim Christ’s teachings until he returns the way he left his apostles.
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15