The magnificent Bavarian stained-glass windows adorning the sanctuary in Holy Trinity Parish in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, depict three events in the life of Jesus: the Nativity, the Crucifixion, and the Ascension. Each window also represents the participation of the Holy Trinity in the event, with the Father and the Holy Spirit above Jesus, in heaven. And as a bonus, below each event is a
similar episode from the Old Testament: Moses among the bulrushes, the serpent lifted up on the staff in the wilderness, and Elijah going up to heaven in a fiery chariot.
Luke’s gospel tells us that as Jesus was taken up into heaven, he raised his hands to bless the disciples. So the disciples are below their ascending Lord, receiving his blessing. They, like us, no longer encounter him face-to-face. He has moved on from our very
physical and limited time and space. Yet his blessings continue to shower down upon us. Daily, we encounter the graces of God – in the fact that we are alive, breathing, thinking, praying, being supported, having company. These are all blessings – totally unmerited – yet we take them for granted. God continues to care for us in so many ways.
Perhaps our perception of God’s blessings has become dull, as we expect to have all that we
need to sustain life and health. Our busy lifestyle and daily activities cloud our awareness of the blessings we receive. But like the light shining through the stained-glass windows, God sometimes opens our eyes to see God’s loving care. Often this is in a crisis moment, like when a loved one is taken to heaven, and we become painfully aware of how much we had taken them for granted.
How much do I acknowledge that “all is gift?” Do
I take God’s blessings for granted? Am I an “entitled” child of God? Although I cannot see him, do I still have the sense that Jesus is somewhere nearby?
Reflections by Peter Knox SJ
