Originally appeared in the Catholic Times, issue: May 12, 2013
When beginning studies for a Masters Degree in theology, I was in the midst of a difficult time in other areas of my life. Perhaps it was Providence that one book assigned for a seminar was Ronald Rolheiser’s The Holy Longing. The instructor required each member of the class to prepare a presentation on a particular chapter. Mine was “The Paschal Mystery.” That was almost eight years ago, and I still find hope and wisdom in Rolheiser’s presentation of that holy mystery.
Rolheiser put a colloquial twist on the Ascension, describing its message this way: “Do not cling to the old, let it ascend and give you its blessing.” A necessary step to Pentecost, where we accept the Spirit for the moment we are living.
I had always thought of the Ascension as an event in Jesus’ life, not in my own. He told his disciples during their last meal before his death that his going away is necessary:”…for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to your; but if I go, I will send him to you.” Death. That was Jesus’ first “going away.”
His followers were devastated. Confused and afraid, they talked, and waited, and worried. I’m sure they prayed, but perhaps it was the same type of prayer we hold in our hearts when life takes turns we do not understand, and we cannot find God anywhere in it.
Then came the resurrection. Jesus was back! He shared food with them, blessed them, and walked with them. When they finally realized who he was, they must have been euphoric. But there was a problem: He wasn’t going to stay. Read More
