Feast of the Ascension

 

THE ASCENSION OF JESUS [A]


It was 1987. That’s when we began our search for “Waldo.”  The illustrator, Martin Handford, had introduced a new book series, challenging us to answer the question: “Where’s Waldo?”  Our task, as readers? The objective is to search carefully through a series of highly detailed prints; see if you can locate the distinctive character dressed in red and white. He’s in there somewhere. 


After reviewing the readings for this weekend, you might find yourself wondering: Where’s Jesus? According to Acts 1:11, Jesus is in Heaven. More particularly, he is seated at the right hand of the Father—that’s what we hear in Ephesians 1:20. And yet, St. Matthew records a promise made by Jesus, just prior to his glorious Ascension: Behold, I am with you always, through the end of the age (Matt. 28:20). So where is he? Is he up there with the Father? Or is he down here with us?


Let’s consider the possibility that this is not an either/or proposition; rather, it’s both/and. Yes, we are celebrating a feast that’s referred to as The Ascension. Nevertheless, it’s being celebrated within the context of the Eucharist. Through the miracle of the Eucharist, Jesus can be present in more than one place at one time. He appears on your altar. He resides in your tabernacle. He likewise appears on the altar of your neighboring parish. And he can be found in tabernacles  all over the world. Still, at the same time, he is seated beside his Father in Heaven. Thus, you have to believe in miracles, if you’re going to solve the “Where’s Jesus?” puzzle. 


Meanwhile, what about the question of “Why?”  To answer the question of “Where?” you have to believe in the power of miracles. As for the question of “Why?,” you will have to believe in the Lord’s special brand of Covenant Love. We’ve already referenced a phenomenon from the 1980’s. Now, we need to revisit a phenomenon from the 1950’s. In this case, it’s a phenomenon being presented on the television screen, not within the pages of a book. 


The 1950’s saw kids around the world being welcomed into something called The Mickey Mouse Club. At the opening of each show, they would spell it out for you: m-i-c-k-e-y/m-o-u-s-e. During the closing, they would spell it again—but with a decrease of tempo. The slower tempo allows for the insertion of two additional phrases: see you real soon [after listing off the letter “c”]; and then after the “y” it’s explained that “we like you.”  Why are we planning to see you again real soon? It’s because we like you!! 


Why would Jesus choose to remain with us? It’s because he likes us. And furthermore, he loves us. Will we see him again real soon?  We see him now, sacramentally, through eyes of faith. We will see him in a more substantial way at the end of time. We will see him “as he is” (1st John 3:2). We will behold him in all his glory, at the end of the age. At that point it will be time to close up the book. Enough of looking for Waldo. At that point it will be time to shut off the TV. You will have had enough of the Mickey Mouse Club. You will be ready to take your place within the Club that surpasses all other clubs—namely, the Fellowship of the Kingdom. There is a degree of satisfaction when you manage to find Waldo. The ultimate experience of satisfaction is waiting for you when you find your way into the halls of the Heavenly Kingdom. 

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