Acts 1:1–11, Luke 24:46–53

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, we rejoice in the glorious feast of the Ascension, when Jesus, having completed His earthly mission, was taken up into heaven in the sight of His disciples. It is a moment of triumph, not farewell. Though Jesus ascends, He does not abandon us for he has promised, “I am with you always,” and He remains with us through the Holy Spirit and His Body, the Church.

As Jesus rose, the disciples stood there gazing into the sky. Two angels appeared and asked, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up?” In other words, Jesus has given us a mission! Don’t just look up, go out! We are not called to stand around waiting. We are called to move, to love, and to witness to love and righteousness.

The Ascension tells us three things: Christ is exalted as Lord of heaven and earth; He intercedes for us before the Father; and He sends us out as His witnesses. This is not just the end of Jesus’ time on earth, it’s the beginning of our mission to bear witness to the Good News.

Jesus entrusts His Gospel to us, not to angels, not to the sky, but to regular people like you and me. And yes, He knew our flaws. Jesus didn’t ascend thinking, “I left the Church in perfect hands.” No, He left it in loving hands, empowered by the Spirit!

Friends, the Ascension reminds us that Christ reigns in glory but also reigns in us. His Spirit empowers us to bring hope where there is despair, love where there is hatred, and faith where there is fear.

So today, let us not be caught staring into the clouds. Let us go forth with joy, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaiming that Christ is risen, ascended, and reigning forever!

Your Priest,

Father Charles