Wait

Many places celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension today.

Some places, with lawful permission, will celebrate it on Sunday.

Today’s readings therefore differ, depending on where the celebration takes place.

Many today hear Luke’s account of the Ascension (Luke 24:46-53), others part of the Farewell Discourse in John (16:16-20).

A common theme to both readings is that of waiting.

In Luke, our Lord tells the Disciples to stay in the city until they are clothed with power from on high. In John, our Lord says, “A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me.”

In today’s world, of course, instantaneous gratification is the number one goal: if it feels good, get it now, no matter what. Countless lives have been wrecked in this way. Moreover, the “gratification” achieved (if any) is never full enough or lasting enough.

We should heed the wisdom of the Lord’s command to wait upon him and to move promptly upon his call, not the desires of the moment or the impulses of the flesh.

Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
yea, wait for the LORD!
(Psalm 27:14)