The Ascension of the Lord
The Ascension completes Jesus’ work of salvation, known as the Paschal Mystery, which also includes His Passion, Death and Resurrection (see CCC512). By His death, Christ liberated us from sin; by His Resurrection, He opened for us the way to a new life. This new life is, above all, justification that reinstates us in God’s grace, and it consists of both the victory over death caused by sin and a new participation in grace (CCC654). Therefore, in Christ, fallen man has become redeemed man, capable of conquering sin through grace.
Christ’s body was glorified at the moment of His Resurrection, but His glory remained veiled for forty days under the appearance of ordinary humanity. The significance of the Ascension is that it marks the irreversible entry of Jesus’ humanity into divine glory, where He sits at the right hand of the Father (CCC659). Nonetheless, Jesus Christ is ever active in heaven and on earth. In heaven, He intercedes constantly for us as the mediator who assures us of the permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit (CCC667). On earth, He continues to make all things new through the Holy Spirit. He does this primarily through the sacraments, most of all in the Eucharist.
The time between the Ascension and Pentecost reminds us of that critical time wherein the disciples, still not understanding the impact of Jesus’ Death, Resurrection and Ascension, held onto the notion that Jesus would literally restore the Kingdom of Israel and rule as king. However, it would be with the coming of the Holy Spirit that they would begin to understand that His Kingdom is not of this world, and that the building of God’s Kingdom on earth has been placed in their hands. They will also come to realize that Christ would still be present to them through the Holy Spirit and in the breaking of the bread. Jesus had to leave; in order that their faith might grow.
Faith Formation Class for Adults in Cantonese is now being offered every Sunday at 12:30pm until August 11, 2019. We meet in the Reconciliation Room. All are welcome!
Our Fourth of July BBQ will be held this year at Pickneyville Park (Soccer Complex), 4707 S. Old Peachtree Road, Norcross 30071. Come and join us from 10am to 1pm for three hours of fun, fellowship and great food. The church will provide hot dogs and hamburgers; however, you may bring a dish to share. Donations for this event are welcome. Please register with Agnes Lam if you are planning to attend.
On Sunday, July 7th, the Holy Name of Jesus Chinese Mission will celebrate the feast day of the Holy Martyrs of China. On October 1, 2000, Pope John Paul II officially canonized 120 Chinese Martyrs from the 17th century to 1930. Let us imitate the Chinese Martyrs for their unyielding faith and love for God. At the same time, we also pray as one with the faithful in China.