The Triumphant Ascension of Christ
From the period of time between the Resurrection and the Ascension, Jesus appeared to His disciples and ate with them, so that they may witness that He is truly alive and risen from the dead. At the same time, Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, that everything written about Him in the Law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled. (cf. Luke 24:44-45)
At the Resurrection, Christ’s body was glorified, but during the forty days when He was with His disciples, His glory remained veiled under the appearance of ordinary humanity. At the Ascension, however, Jesus’ humanity entered into divine glory, where He is seated at the right hand of the Father. (CCC 659)
Jesus Christ, the one Priest of the new and eternal Covenant, “entered not into a sanctuary made by hands, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. (Hebrews 9:24)” There, Jesus exercises His priesthood, making intercession for us. (CCC 662; Hebrews 7:25)
The Ascension of Christ into heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of the Father, fulfills the prophecy of Daniel concerning the Son of man: “To Him was given dominion and glory and kingdom, that all peoples, nations and languages should serve Him; His dominion will not pass away, and His kingdom shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:14)”
The Ascension of Christ into heaven also signifies His participation, in His humanity, in God’s power and authority (CCC 668); He possesses all power in heaven and on earth, for the Father has put all things under His feet (Ephesians 1:22). But Christ still dwells on earth in His Church (CCC 669), for the Church is endowed with a sanctity that is real but imperfect (CCC 670).
Since the Ascension of Christ, we are at the “last hour,” the final age of the world (CCC 670); Christ’s reign on earth is yet to be fulfilled by His return in glory. Even though the evil powers have been defeated definitively by the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Christ, His reign on earth is still under attack by the evil powers (CCC 671). The present time is a time marked by distress and trials which does not spare the Church, as it ushers in the struggles of the last days. (CCC 672)
For those of us who remain in this world, it is a time of watching and waiting; being prepared for the Second Coming of Christ. For just as the two men dressed in white garments said to the Apostles, “This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven. (Acts 1:11)” Are we ready?
We will have a special Vigil Mass for Pentecost on Saturday, May 22 at 5:00 pm, followed by a Charismatic healing service. Many people have experienced the special grace of the Holy Spirit during this special healing service. It is our hope that many more will experience the power of the Holy Spirit in our humble church. Invite your friends and family; all are welcome!
In light of the update from the CDC which allows those who are fully vaccinated to stop wearing face masks and social distancing even indoors, Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer issued a memo that the Archdiocese of Atlanta will continue to recommend the wearing of face masks at Masses, but will give pastors discretion to allow vaccinated people to remove them.
In our church, we will follow the recommendation of the Archdiocese of Atlanta to continue wearing face masks for everyone’s safety and peace of mind. If you do not wish to wear a face mask, please respect the space of those who do not feel comfortable being in close proximity to people without face masks. We want everyone to feel welcome in our church. Thank you for your cooperation!
When coming up to receive Holy Communion, please pull down your face mask and put both hands together to receive the Holy Eucharist. Then, step to the side and eat the Body of Christ reverently, and return to your seat.