Today we celebrate part of the paschal mystery, the Ascension of Christ into heaven. In the words of today’s preface to the Eucharistic Prayer, “he ascended, not to distance himself from our lowly state but that we, his members, might be confident of following where he, our Head and Founder, has gone before.” We hope to join Christ in heaven some day.
Another aspect of this feast day has to do with the word “Go” in the gospel.Matthew’s gospel ends with a commissioning, an empowerment, for his disciples (including us) to go and spread the Good News. Not only do we come to Christ; we also go forth in his name to draw others to Christ.
As we celebrate this part of the paschal mystery, think about how Christ Jesus draws you to himself. Think about how Christ wants to use you to draw others into the saving mystery.