At first glance, commemorating the Ascension would not seem to be
a great, beautiful feast because it is when the Lord goes away and the
disciples (and we with them) remain orphans in a certain sense. In fact there
is a sense of sadness in the Apostles. Where do they find consolation? I do not
believe they find it so much in the words that the Angels say to them (i.e.,
that Christ Who has ascended will return) but more through Mary’s presence in
their midst. This is important because from this point on, they must model
their relationship not only on Jesus but also on the living reality of Mary,
whom Jesus wanted to be among them.
Today with Mary we say to Jesus, Who is ascended into Heaven:
“Lord, You have planned our life, and that’s fine; You have revolutionized our
life, and that’s fine; however, do not abandon us! Look at Your mother and look
at us. You sustained Your mother; sustain us, too, so that we may follow You on
this journey of the revolution of love.” (Homily, May 12, 1988)
Journeying with the Founder Day #208
If we remained more often in the presence of
God, if God were more present in us through prayer, mortification,
intercession, and study, who knows how much fruit we would bear! Jesus
explicitly said that we must bear much fruit because this is the will of God. (The Witness)
