Ascension

In Paul's letter to the Hebrews, St. Paul carefully puts together the significance of the Paschal Mystery.  Jesus as the High Priest offers one perfect sacrifice, on the cross, which brings salvation and peace to the world, and sanctifies everyone else who participates in this sacrifice.  Some of the Patristics who comment about today's feast, would suggest that our participation is not just receiving the Eucharist, but rather it is a lifestyle that includes a dying to oneself.  Again there is that ominous .conversion and discipleship aspect to the faith which we profess.

Yesterday I went up to Rockford for an ordination of two men, to the priesthood, for our diocese.  One of my favorite parts of the ordination is at the receiving of the bread and wine, and while kneeling before the bishop, receiving the prepared chalice and paten, being directed to imitate the mystery that is celebrated.  Priestly ministry is not about prancing around the altar.  The sending forth in the new translation of the Mass directs us to 'Go and proclaim the Gospel of the Lord.'  Receiving and celebrating the Eucharist implies a lifestyle which imitates the Paschal Mystery.

Eons ago, in another parish, the director of our RCIA did a reflection on the consecration of the Mass.  Her entire focus was the phrase, "Do this in memory of me."  It was very good.  Her premise was that once we leave the Mass we continue to do our discipleship in memory of Jesus Christ.  To be sure there is a lot of yuck and gunk that is encountered each and every day, and our proclamation of the Gospel needs to be a beacon in the midst of darkness.

In the pastoral letter, Called and Gifted, the laity are challenged to possess the sacraments they receive in Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, and to 'do ministry.'  I think that we sometimes still labor under the assumption that 'Father' and 'Sister' do church things.  The rest of the people show up to watch.  The Disciples are basically directed to stop staring up at the sky.  They are to be busy about building up the Church.  All Easter we have read from the Acts of the Apostles and have witnessed a faith-filled group which lives a Christian lifestyle, all the while struggling with the carious challenges and demands of the Gospel.

Our proclamation takes may forms and directions.  St. Paul reminds us that there are teachers, administrators, prophets, and evangelizers, all formed by the Holy Spirit.  Each step we take is a new moment of Gospel living.  We cannot stand around posing for holy cards, but have to get to work for the Kingdom of God.