Homily for the Ascension of the Lord - Year - A

 

The Ascension of the Lord - Year A

“Making Disciples of All Nations”

Acts 1:1 - 11   Ephesians 1:17 - 23    Matthew 28:16 - 20

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus!

Today, we celebrate the great feast of the Ascension of the Lord. At first glance, it may appear to be the departure of Jesus from the earth. Yet the Word of God today reveals something deeper: the Ascension is not an ending, but a sending.

Christ returns to the Father, but before he ascends, he entrusts his mission to the Church.

That mission is clearly expressed in the Gospel: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” This is the heart of today’s celebration.

The Mission Begins with Witness (Acts 1:1 - 11)

In today’s first reading, the disciples still think in a worldly way. They ask Jesus: “Lord, will you now restore the kingdom to Israel?” They are hoping for political power and success. But Jesus gives them a different mission: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses.”

Jesus does not send them to rule people, but to witness. A witness is someone who knows Jesus personally and shows Him through words and actions.

Before this event, the disciples were afraid and hiding. But after receiving the Holy Spirit, they became brave. They preached the Gospel openly, helped others, and continued Jesus’ mission even during suffering.

Then the angels ask: “Why are you standing there looking at the sky?”

This means:

Do not stand still.

Do not remain passive.

Go and continue the work of Jesus.

This message is important for us today:

Many Christians pray, attend Mass, and believe in Jesus, but sometimes remain silent about their faith in daily life. We may be afraid of criticism, rejection, or embarrassment.

But Jesus calls every baptized person to mission. Today, being a witness does not only mean preaching in churches. It means showing Christ in everyday life.

The Ascension is not the end of Jesus’ work. It is the beginning of the Church’s mission. Jesus sends us into the world with the power of the Holy Spirit to continue His work.

Disciples Need Spiritual Vision (Ephesians 1:17 - 23)

In the second reading, St. Paul prays: “May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened.” He asks God to help us see life with spiritual understanding, not only with physical eyes.

This message is very meaningful today because the world often teaches us to chase money, success, power, and popularity. Many people believe these things alone will bring happiness. But this often leads to anxiety, loneliness, competition, and spiritual emptiness.

St. Paul invites us to see life differently - with the “eyes of the heart.” A Christian should not judge life only by salary, social status, appearance, followers, or achievements.

Instead, we are called to focus on the hope Christ gives, the love of God, and the strength of faith in our daily lives.

Today many people place all their hope in temporary things such as careers, wealth, technology, relationships, or public approval. But these things can quickly change or disappear.

That is why Paul reminds us that Christ is above every earthly power and authority. Our true hope must be rooted in Jesus, not in temporary success.

The Ascension teaches us to lift our hearts toward eternal values. In today’s world, this means choosing honesty in a corrupt environment, showing compassion in a selfish society, helping the poor and lonely, using social media responsibly, and remaining faithful even when Christian values are criticized.

To see with the “eyes of the heart” means asking ourselves:

• What truly matters before God?
• Am I living only for myself?
• Am I growing closer to Christ?

The Ascension reminds us that we are created not only for earthly success, but for eternal life with God.

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16 - 20)

In the Gospel, Jesus gives the final command before His Ascension: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” He does not say “make converts,” but “make disciples.”

A disciple is one who:

• Knows Christ
• Follows Christ
• Learns from Christ
• and lives like Christ

St. Francis de Sales makes this very practical:

“You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so, you learn to love God by loving.”

Mission is not theory - it is practice. We become disciples by living as disciples. He also teaches: “The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day.”

This is important for mission. We do not go alone. Providence accompanies us. Jesus then gives three essential movements:

a) Go

The Church cannot remain closed in on itself. Every Christian is sent - into family, workplace, school, and society. Mission is not reserved for priests and religious. It belongs to all the baptized.

b) Baptize

Through Baptism, we enter the family of God and begin new life in Christ. But Baptism is not the end - it is the beginning of holiness and mission.

c) Teach

“Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Discipleship is lifelong formation:

• Forgiveness instead of revenge
• Humility instead of pride
• Generosity instead of selfishness
• Love instead of hatred

This teaching begins especially in the family. Parents are the first teachers of faith, often more by example than by words.

The Promise that Sustains the Mission

Finally, Jesus gives a promise: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

This is the heart of the Ascension.

Jesus ascends, yet He does not abandon His Church. He remains present:

• In the Eucharist
• In the Word of God
• In the Holy Spirit
• In the Church
• and in the poor and suffering

The disciples were weak and uncertain. Even Matthew notes: “They worshipped, but they doubted.” Yet Jesus still entrusted them with the mission of changing the world - and through Him, they succeeded. That same mission is now entrusted to us.

 

Let me share a story

There was once a lighthouse keeper who kept the light burning every night to guide ships safely to shore. One stormy night, the keeper had to leave urgently, so he instructed his assistant, “Keep the light burning at all costs.”

The assistant was afraid of the storm, but he remembered the importance of the light. Through the night, he guarded it carefully. Because of that light, many ships reached safety.

When the keeper returned, he said, “You did not just keep a light burning - you saved lives.”

 

What this story means to us

Yes, dear friends, this story teaches us that every Christian is called to keep the light of Christ burning in the world. Like the lighthouse assistant, we may face fear and difficulties, but we must remain faithful to our mission.

The light represents our faith, love, honesty, and witness to Jesus. Through kindness, forgiveness, truth, and hope, we help guide others toward God.

Sometimes small acts may seem unimportant, but just as the lighthouse saved many ships, our simple good actions can touch and change lives.

St. Francis de Sales says:

“Bloom where God has planted you.”

Like the assistant who kept the light burning during the storm, we are called to keep the light of faith alive through love, honesty, and kindness, becoming witnesses who lead others to Christ.

As we celebrate the Eucharist, let us remember that the world does not simply need more knowledge or success. It needs disciples - men and women whose lives reflect Jesus Christ.

So today we ask ourselves:

• Am I truly a disciple of Jesus?
• Does my life lead others closer to Him?
• Do I witness through love, honesty, forgiveness, and service?

The Ascension is not farewell. It is commissioning. Christ sends us with one mission: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” And He assures us: “I am with you always.”

LIVE JESUS!

FR. D. VIMAL MSFS

befiretoinspire151@gmail.com

+ 91 8300705382