Jesus’ Ascension and physical departure leave the disciples with an invitation: to depart from their current place and do something new. They could remain where they are, staring up into the sky, rooted in indecision. The angels arrive and challenge them to move on.
We, too, can be rooted to the
spot. We can be paralysed and overwhelmed. We can be so comfortable in the familiar that we are afraid to try something new or move on with our lives.
In human terms, Jesus leaves the mission unfinished when he ascends into heaven. There is still injustice, oppression and suffering. The disciples are still confused. Jesus does not remain indefinitely solving problems for them.
Instead, Jesus hands over to the disciples and us the responsibility to grow spiritually and in our discipleship. It is similar to ‘leaving home’ where we were looked after, supported and guided. As we begin to be independent, we discern our future and act on how we believe we should move forward. Sometimes we fail and try again. We mature and take more and more responsibility for ourselves and for others.
Just as our parents have let us go to live as adults in the world, so too, Jesus is letting the disciples go, so that they may become fully alive, living authentically as witnesses to the Kingdom of God.
Is there something in my life that may be holding me back?
Am I stuck in comfortable, familiar routines and
relationships?
What would it look like for me to become fully alive, living authentically as a witness to the Kingdom of God?
