Reflection on the Solemnity of the Lord's Ascension

The Ascension of our Lord in Heaven

Today, we commemorate the Lord’s ascension into heaven. This day marks an essential part in the lives of the apostles as they are commissioned to bring the good news of salvation to the whole world. However, does Jesus’ summon to bring the good news only applicable to the disciples? Definitely not! The gospel of today brings a message that surmounts that parameter. This means that Jesus’ challenge extends to us who are alive today. To this date, many of us have answered to the call of Jesus, i.e. to bring the message of salvation to everyone in our own little ways.

Although this is the case, some are still sceptics about the challenge. They say, “only priests are allowed to preach as they are ordained ministers” or “let us leave the priests to do their job of preaching the good news”. However, sceptics should think twice as they must have forgotten something. The moment we are baptised, we share in the three divine mission of Christ namely: the priestly, kingly, and prophetic.

Priestly mission asks us to offer our lives wholly and entirely for God’s honour and glory. In other words, we are called to a life of holiness for our Lord and God is Holy (cf. Leviticus 11:44 and 1 Peter 1:16). Kingly mission calls us to a life of service. Just like the Divine Master, He came not to be served but to serve (cf. Matthew 20:26-28). Lastly is the prophetic mission. We are asked to preach the good news (cf. Mark 16:15) not only in words but also in deeds. By doing so, we become more effective in spreading the WORD of God, which is Christ Jesus, the Lord Himself.

Father Peter Drillon said, that Jesus’ ascension can be likened to a funeral or a burial because this is the last time that the apostles will be able to see the physical body of Jesus. Therefore, since this is the last, Jesus has given His final instructions and His promise to His faithful followers. This then could probably be both poignant and exuberant moment for the apostles. Poignant because, they will not be able to see Jesus physically but at the same time exuberant knowing that Jesus will be with them even until the end of time.

Ma'am Mheldz

Speaking of burial: today is the burial of my colleague and friend Ms. Imelda “Mheldz” Dumapias. She was our registrar at Holy Cross of Davao College, Grade School Department, Davao City, Philippines. She passed away last 15 May 2012 due to a stroke. I just find her burial as a very meaningful one since her physical body is to be offered to the ground where she came from on the day the Lord ascended into heaven. What a glorious homecoming it is! I believe with all my heart that her soul is now resting in the loving care of our God. She was my partner before in attending the novena in honour of Our Lady of Mount Carmel every July. She was a leader in her small faith community, a member of the Dominican tertiary order, a colleague, and above all, a FRIEND. In this poignant event, I may be physically absent but I am one with everyone in spirit and in prayer for the eternal repose of her soul.

Eternal rest grant unto Imelda Dumapias O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.