Exiit qui seminat
The Solemnity of the Ascension
As we’ve done for the past three years, the Diocese of Camden celebrates the Solemnity of the Ascension in place of the 7th Sunday of Easter. But in trying to understand this important feast day of the Easter season, we cannot forget our roots. In a universal sense, the Catholic Church celebrates the Ascension 40 days after Easter. If the number 40 causes our spiritual ears to “perk up” then we’re on the right track. The number 40 is found throughout the Bible indicating a time of preparation or fulfillment. Noah and his family spent 40 days on the Ark at the time of the Great Flood. Moses and the Israelites wandered 40 years in the desert before they entered the Promised Land. David, who prefigured the Messiah, was king of Israel for 40 years (7 years in Hebron and 33 years in Jerusalem). Jesus spent 40 days in the desert fasting and praying in preparation for His public ministry. During the 40 days after His Resurrection, the Risen Christ spent time with His disciples strengthening, teaching and preparing them for what would come next – the coming and indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the Birthday of the Church at Pentecost. So the question is begged of us as to how we have spent these last 40+ days after Easter? After the initial joy and celebration of the Resurrection, has our belief and resolve in what our Savior has done for us faded? If it has, let us renew ourselves and our faith with the hope that only God can provide and in these next 7 days get ready for the Holy Spirit to re-enter and invigorate our lives!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Rob Sinatra
