Family Faith Reflections from Chris

Here near the end of the Month of Mary we find ourselves at Ascension Sunday. Jesus’ mission to the earth has been accomplished; he returns to the Heavenly Father with great victory.
 
But imagine being his mother that day! Luke points out that “some women” were with the apostles at that time, and it’s hard to believe that Mary would have stood by his cross and not still been around to see the Ascension. What was she thinking as Jesus “was taken up” (Mark 16:19)? How did she feel?


I’ll never see my own children “ascend” in quite the way Jesus did, but I remember the strangest feeling when I dropped my daughter off at her first real sleepover. She was excited to go, and hardly looked back. It filled me with an uncomfortable blend of pride and sorrow.

I felt something similar the first time my son wanted to walk to his classroom without me. Good for you, but come back! I’m so proud that you’re ready for the next step, but let’s go back to the way it used to be! You can do it, but I’m not ready for this!


Even though the Feast of the Ascension has been around since the 4 ^th Century, it’s suspiciously well timed for our culture. This time of year is filled with children taking next steps — graduations, spring and summer weddings, moves and changes. It’s the perfect opportunity to take our bittersweet moments and share them with the Blessed Mother, who herself stood by as her son went on without her.
 
Into the desert. Into the tomb. Into the sky.


So spend a moment with Mother Mary today. Send a Hail Mary to the woman who knew all about love and sadness, sorrow and joy. And then remember that when Jesus’ body ascended to Heaven, he left us as his body on the earth. So pick up the phone and call someone who is facing life changes, family changes, career or education changes.

Let them know that no matter what happens they won’t be alone, because they have a community of faith who will always be here for them — and a Mother who is only a prayer away.