A sermon on the Ascension, Matthew 28:16-20
Fr. Mike Paraniuk
HCP columnist
A dad approached me after the 2 p.m. Mass I celebrated at Children's Hospital last Sunday. He made an observation that perplexed him: "This Mass was so different than other Masses I attended."
I could tell he was having trouble explaining why. I knew what he meant. Worshipping God in a place where so many innocent children are fighting for healing unleashes an intense divine power. It is a profound spiritual experience that reveals the presence of God.
Two things Jesus said before He ascended to Heaven can explain this "difference:"
“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to Me...". (Matthew 28:18.) "And behold, I am with you always...". (Matthew 28:20.)
Jesus is always present with His power to heal His children and anyone who suffers. All God's people deserve the very best blessings that Heaven has to offer.
What are those blessings? It is not material wealth. God's blessing is that He has your back covered. He gives you security that He is on your side. God is beside you with His power that overcomes the troubles that threaten your peace and well being.
All of us are on a spiritual journey. The destination is God, to be with Him in Heaven. It starts at conception. Then the doctor slaps your little baby butt to make you breathe at birth. Think of this journey as a car. You need four tires to make it move. Each tire is essential for the journey. If one goes flat, you're stuck.
Here are the names for each tire.
1) FAITH. Faith is trust in a higher power greater than ourselves. For the Christian, that higher power is Jesus. Faith says to trust Jesus when you can't see the future. Faith offers hope that things will work out for the good even though I can't see it now. This is the basis for God's peace the world can never give.
2) LOVE. Love unites us to God. Love unites us to each other. It is like the gasoline in the car that keeps it moving to God who is Love. Love is the force that makes you kind and compassionate. When a child suffers, we all suffer with them. This is Divine Grace at its best.
3) WISDOM. Wisdom helps you to understand that everything in life is a means for God to teach you what He wants you to learn. The best example is what Mary did when the shepherds proclaimed Jesus. "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19.) When faced with a cross ask God, "What are you teaching me?"
4) PERSEVERANCE. Don't give up when there is a setback. Be steadfast in the face of difficulties. We call this "unwavering faith." God says, "God will bless you, if you don't give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him." (James 1:12.)
The Bible records what happened at the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. "... He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight." (Acts 1:9.)
Please remember this fact: "A cloud can’t cancel dawn."
Happy Easter.