Acts 1:1-11 / Ephesians 1:17-23 / Luke 24:46-53
In the two thousand years of the existence of the Church, there were many changes, some for the better, and some could have been better.
But for better or otherwise, the Church has seen the good and the bad, the happy and the sad, the ups and downs.
At times, the Church was a model and a source of inspiration. But at times, the Church was in the pits of desperation and desolation.
As we celebrate the feast of the Ascension, this question may come across our minds: Why did Jesus leave His church in the hands of weak and unworthy people who will fail and fall?
Certainly, it would be good if Jesus had remained on Earth to lead the Church. Then there will be no problems, and the whole world would be drawn to the Church and be saved.
With Jesus in the Church, then our task as Christians would be so easy as we just have to direct those who need help to Jesus, and the problems of the world would be solved.
But, such is not the case, and so we have to walk by faith along the journey of life.
On this Feast of the Ascension, we celebrate the faith that keeps us going and moving.
We have not seen Jesus and yet we believe in Him. In believing, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit who will help us to be witnesses of the saving love of God, and to help others to believe in Jesus.
For those who have not seen Jesus and do not believe in Him, we have this mission of being Jesus to them and to lead them to respond to the love of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit will help us, just as He had done so for the Church during the past 2000 years.
Let us ask for forgiveness for the times we had failed and fallen as Christians.
Let us rise with the Holy Spirit and be witnesses of the repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Let us be witnesses of the saving love of God, and may others come to know Jesus and have their sins forgiven.