Reflection on Ascension Thursday 2016

The lyrics in the above image are in the first verse of my song "Divine Intervention" off of the Golden EP that I released in 2014 (I provided the Soundcloud link to listen below).

I have been reflecting all day after coming out of morning mass upon the meaning of The Ascension for my own life and for all of our lives. The first thing that comes to mind is a story I shared with a really good friend of mine last night who is currently going through a difficult time.

When my son Christian Morel was still in his mother's womb and I was 17 years old about to turn 18 it was a crazy and difficult time; me and his mother of course weren't married, and I had just graduated from high school so I really financially could not provide for this child soon to be born.  It was at this time I was really close with a particular religious sister(a nun) who spoke with me to give some guidance as we prepared for the birth of my son.  In a conversation she said something like this... "Parents usually say 'I don't want my child to suffer' or 'I don't want my child to go through what I went through' and although it is quite natural and noble as a provider, caregiver, etc. it is not completely in line with the complete Christian message." She continued to say "Christ in his love for us still doesn't take away all of our obstacles and/or pains because in order to follow him we each one of us has to pick up our own crosses.  He teaches and shows us that the way to heaven is through him, and through the embracing of these sufferings, while still enduring and offering up to the Father through him. The goal of a parent then is not to take away the sufferings in the path of their children, but rather to teach and equip them with the tools necessary for them to face these sufferings."

I had shared this story with my friend last night because he was currently experiencing grief due to a tragic separation from someone who he cares about dearly, and had expressed to me his worry for this person not being able to provide for themselves or child in this separation.  It was in that moment I was given the grace of understanding to connect his situation to this conversation I had over 7 years ago.

Today as I went to mass, the story returned and I realized that this is the Ascension.  It is God leaving us and inviting us into the mystery of his passion, death, and resurrection.  If he had stayed around, in some ways we would never be given the opportunity to teach and lead.  Christ knowing our mistakes and failures in the ascension still entrusts us with the great mission to "Go and make disciples of all nations."

So here we are 2,000 plus years later and I reflect on history I think how if Christ Jesus never ascended, perhaps there wouldn't be the mistakes and scandals of many church leaders; or there would still be one undivided church on earth.  Perhaps even, there would be no debate upon doctrinal teachings or anything of the sort; no questions on homosexual unions or if Christ would permit contraception or abortions.

I also think about this... If the Church is the body of Christ; and Christ body is now ascended into Heaven - would that mean that the Church in itself is "in Heaven"....

In the end I realize this.... The ascension for my life is the invitation to Sainthood.  Yeah we make mistakes and fall because of our humanity, however Jesus still gives us the mission to "Go!"  The ascension is our own personal entry to becoming not only "employees" of the most high God, but also to become in a sense "Franchise owners".... We distribute only one product which is the word of God Jesus - The Gospel good news that we have a God who loves us and we become that love to the world.

Without the ascension we are not fully able to become love as God is.

I'll end this in prayer with the words from the first verse of this above song....

"This is Divine Intervention, not an act of aggression
though they're mad like pro lifers at Obama's election
They debate like Baptists towards priestly confessions
The only reason that I rhyme is 'cuz Christ has ascended
So when I kick a flow it's just a modern progression
Of the Universal Church - Apostolic Succession
I just gotta be a Saint - not die as some legend
This young boy from the Bronx giving love to my brethren."

Heavenly Father make these words a reality in our lives, and may we truly become aware to the mission and calling; the vocation you have for each and every one of our lives.  Thank you for trusting us to lead and teach through action and word, and thank you for the opportunity to love as you love.  May we always be in union with you and your Church oh Lord, so that we may experience the true joy of the Heaven you live in.  I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

- The Symbol
- All is Love