May 17, 2026.
This homily will not be delivered. I am away from Naples.
Acts of the Apostles 1: 1-11 + Psalm 47 + Ephesians 1: 17-23 + Matthew 28: 16-20
I recently read a great story about Jesus returning to heaven after his death and resurrection. It seems that the Archangel Gabriel who started it all, if you remember, was surprised to see him back so soon. Thirty-three years is not a long time, especially when you think about the importance and proportions of the task he had been given. Gabriel says: “Back so soon?” Jesus said: “Well, I would have stayed longer, but they crucified me.” “They did?” said Gabriel. “I guess that means you failed.” “Not necessarily,” said Jesus. “You see, I called together a little group of disciples. They will carry on my work.” “And what if they fail?” asked Gabriel. “I have no other plans.” Jesus answered.
There is no other plan. What those of us left must discover is that the Ascension of Jesus is his liberation from the restrictions of time and space. It does not represent his removal from the earth, but his constant presence everywhere. A sense of the presence of Christ with us does not change the world for us, but it should give us the courage to face the world.
The transformation of this world back into the Paradise that God intended depends upon us. There is no other plan. It is not a daunting task. It is a privilege. When we witness, stand up and speak about truth, justice, love and peace, we bear witness to and carry on the work of Jesus. We witness to truth by living truthfully. We witness to justice by acting justly with others. We witness to love by acting lovingly with others, and we witness to peace by living peacefully with our neighbors. It’s not such big challenge when we get down to the core of it. We might simply remember and draw encouragement from what Mother Teresa said once: “I don’t pray for success. I pray that I may be a faithful witness.”