Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?
Thursday, May 21st, 2009Ave Maria Meditations
+ The Ascension of Jesus gives rise to manifold sentiments in the faithful soul that contemplates it. If Christ no longer merits, His Ascension has, however, the virtue of efficaciously producing the graces that it signifies or symbolizes.
It strengthens our faith in the Divinity of Jesus; it increases our hope by the vision of the glory of our Head by stirring us up to the observance of His commandments on which our merits rest, and that are themselves the principle of our future beatitude, it still further enkindles our love. It engenders in us wonder at so marvelous a triumph, and gratitude for the share in it that Christ gives to us. Lifting up our souls towards heavenly realities, it quickens in us detachment from passing things: Seek the things that are above; where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God, not the things upon the earth. (Col.3:.1-2) It gives us patience in adversity for, says St. Paul, if we suffer with Christ, we shall also share in His glory: so if we suffer with Him, we may be also be glorified with Him. (Rom.8:17)
There are two dispositions upon which I would dwell with you a few instants because, springing with special abundance from the contemplation of this mystery, they are singularly profitable for our souls: they are joy and confidence. |
This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11)