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expression “on the right hand” always designates a place of honor and power.)
The Gospel account of the Ascension focuses on the sheer joy the Apostles feel after Jesus’ Ascension. Is it because they know on some level that Jesus has reconciled Heaven and earth, so that Heaven is no longer so very far from earth? Is it because they sense that Jesus is not really leaving them, but will always be with them in thrilling new ways?
Deep interior joy, too, is among the gifts of the Spirit—and it always radiates outward.
Children’s Connections
The gathering activity no doubt will produce a little fun and laughter. But the importance of its underlying message will become clear as the liturgy continues.
A contemporary social commentator who attended a Catholic school in his youth says that, after all these years, one memory from his school days still stands out above all others. Every time a police, fire, or ambulance siren sounded on the streets of the city, his classroom teacher paused to lead the students in prayer for whomever was in danger. The indelible lesson that he learned from this simple routine? Whatever happens to anyone out on the streets in some way happens to all of us, for we are our neighbors’ keepers.
Today’s homily, with its use of contemporary scenes from newspapers and magazines, is aimed at helping children see a connection between
the positive messages that they hear in church every Sunday with the positive actions that
good Christians perform in the world every day. Because we believe in Jesus, we love our neighbor, and our connection with Jesus inspires us to make positive connections with everyone we meet.
When preparing the set of photos, choose scenes from news and advertising sections alike. Don’t overlook pictures of good deeds as simple as flashing a smile or attentively doing one’s ordinary, everyday work. Find pictures of people, young and old, who can be considered good models for the children to see and to imitate.
As much as possible, include pictures of people representing various races, nationalities, social classes, physical sizes, etc.
The Children’s Leaflet
The leaflet for this week helps the children learn about Jesus’ Ascension, through a prayer, a summary of the Gospel, and a creative activity.
If you distribute the leaflet now and time permits, you may wish to read with the children the summary of the Gospel in “The Word of God This Week” after you have read the Gospel. Point out the artwork and ask the children what is happening in the picture.
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The Catechism on the Ascension
• “Christ’s body was glorified at the
moment of his Resurrection, as proved by the new and supernatural properties it subsequently and permanently enjoys. But during the forty days when he eats and drinks familiarly with his disciples and teaches them about the kingdom, his glory remains veiled under the appearance of ordinary humanity. Jesus’ final apparition ends with the irreversible entry of his humanity into divine glory, symbolized
by the cloud and by Heaven, where he is seated from that time forward at God’s right hand.” (#659)
• “The lifting up of Jesus on the cross signifies and announces his lifting up by his Ascension into Heaven, and indeed begins it.” (#662)
• “Jesus Christ, having entered the sanctuary of Heaven once and for all, intercedes constantly for us as the mediator who assures us of the permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit.” (#667)
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