Reflection: The Lord’s Ascension

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR•May 19, 2020

Acts 1:1-11.

Theme: “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.”

Exegetical observation.

Lk 24:51 reports: “he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven.” Acts 1 reports with more details: v.3 “during forty days” Jesus was appearing to his disciples “speaking of the Kingdom of God;” v.9 continues: “as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight;” v.12 tells us that this happened on the “Mount of Olives.” Luke alone gives us the time and place and the ocular witnesses to the ascension of the Lord. Other passages will affirm the exaltation of Jesus: “He was taken up in glory” (1 Tim 3:16). God put “everything in subjection under his feet” (Hb 2:9). Hb 4:14 claims that “we have a high priest who had passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God.” Two statements are actually taken from only one place, i.e., Psalm 110:1, “The Lord says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool.” The high priesthood of Christ, for its part, is a theme specific to Hebrews.

Reflection.

It is a historical fact. Luke gives us the time, place and eyewitnesses. Our faith in the ascension, as our faith in the resurrection of Jesus, is based on fact, not on fantasy or fiction. Acts 1:12 observes that the distance between Mt. of Olives and Jerusalem was “a Sabbath day’s journey away.” Luke gives details verifiable in fact. Right at the opening of his “first book”, the Gospel, Luke makes clear that he is compiling “a narrative of the things which have been accomplished among us” and which “were delivered to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses.” These things were “accomplished”, that is, they did happen, they were facts. The transmitters were “eyewitnesses”, that is, first hand witnesses; they saw and heard what they were narrating. Jesus was a fact, an event in history not a figment of the imagination, his ascension that we celebrate today included.

It is a theological fact. After a certain period of familiar relationship with his disciples, the risen Lord, withdrew his visible presence from the world. By his ascension the risen body of Jesus is transferred to the realm of the divine. His bodily existence continues, departs from the material universe and is “taken up in glory”. As he sits at the right hand of God, he conquers and subjects “everything under his feet.” Because of this glorification the cross becomes a symbol of triumph not of defeat, of life not of death, of victory not of loss. Jesus carries our human nature with him to the right hand of God. This clay formed into the image and likeness of God has a sublime destiny. It was used as an instrument of redemption through suffering and death, now it is glorified in the body of the glorified Lord. Jesus promises to prepare a dwelling for us in the Father’s house, then he will come back to take us with him so that where he is we will also be (Jn 14:2-4). Jesus’ position at the right hand of the Father has another advantage for us, that is, to intercede for us as our High Priest before God (Hb 6:19-20). He is in the best position to obtain from the Father all the needs of His Bride, the Church and all its members. From this same position in heaven he sends the Holy Spirit to the Church and his members to guide, transform, nourish, mold and remold, and lead each one into the maturity of Christ’s image. The Holy Spirit as the soul of the Church acts on each of us through the sacraments, healing, nourishing, sanctifying. Thus hell cannot prevail against the Church. Like Christ hanging on the cross, she may seem defeated, but also like Christ she will rise again in glory and prevail over her enemies.

This Jesus will come back in the same way. He was taken by the cloud out of their sight. This cloud will also be there to bring him down on the last day. Even Mark writes about this return in glory upon the clouds of heaven (Mk 14:62). Thus there is a profound bond between his ascent into heaven and his return at the end of time. His stay in heaven is transitory in relation to the whole economy of salvation, because he resides in heaven until the time of the final manifestation and universal restoration. He went up to heaven upon the clouds, he will also return upon the clouds with glory and majesty.

Exhortation.

Let us take care of this body for it is out instrument of salvation; in and through this body each one works out his/her salvation. In good health this body becomes a worker of love, bringing the love of Christ to others. In sickness and pain, it becomes an instrument of reparation and redemption. In death we prepare this body to rise again and live with Christ for all eternity. Furthermore this body is sacred; Christ consecrates it at baptism making it the temple of the Holy Spirit. Seeing our human nature at the right hand of God in the Person of Christ, we should reverence it in us and in our fellowmen.

We should be a people of hope. Christ our head is at the right hand of God interceding for each and all the members of the Church. Every trial, every difficulty, should bring us strength and courage to stand up for Christ. Remember, hell cannot prevail against the Church. Let us live this life with eyes fixed in heaven where Christ is at the right hand of God. There is our home. There we see many who have gone ahead of us into the next life. Many of them are saints willing to pray for us and help us in time of need. We have a family of angels and saints. The Ascension of Jesus opens our eyes to the wonderful world of our eternal home.

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

Priest/Religious/Bible Professor of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.

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					1 All day September 1, 2023 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CARE OF CREATION Pope Francis’ Message: https://www.vatican.va/content/ francesco/en/messages/pont-messages/2023/documents/20230513- messaggio-giornata-curacreato.html NOVENA TO ST. NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO BEGINS APOSTOLIC VISIT TO MONGOLIA (August 31-September 3, 2023) Day 2: Ulaanbaatar 1000 Arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar and official welcome. BIRTHDAY Sis. Alicia Bañares, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Amellory Jopia, SAR (Urbiztondo Chapter) Laurice Kathleen Barizo (RAY-Cavite) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Francisca de Sta. Maria, AR +Sr. Placida Patrimonio, AR +Sis. Primitiva Ayuda, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Pilar Betinol, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	2 All day September 2, 2023 APOSTOLIC VISIT TO MONGOLIA Day 3: Rome – Ulaanbaatar 0900 Welcome ceremony at Sükhbaatar Square 0930 Courtesy visit with President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh at the State Palace 1020 Meeting with authorities, members of the diplomatic corps and local representatives in the Ikh Mongol hall at the palace. Speech by pope. 1100 Meeting with Gombojavyn Zandanshatar, chairman of Mongolia’s parliament, the State Great Khural. 1110 Meeting with Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun- Erdene. 1600 Meeting with bishops, priests, religious, missionaries and pastoral workers at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul. Speech by pope. BIRTHDAY Fray Federico Gregorio Sis. Maxima Malalay, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Maynard Negre (RAY-Talisay) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Aurora Cordova, SAR (Laray Chapter)
3 All day September 3, 2023 APOSTOLIC VISIT TO MONGOLIA Day 4: Ulaanbaatar 1000 Ecumenical and interreligious meeting at the Hun Theater. Speech by pope. 1600 Mass at the Steppe Arena. Homily by pope. OLCP- MIRANILA FIESTA MASS Time: 11:00 a.m. Presider & Homilist: Most Rev. Teodoro Bacani, D.D. BIRTHDAY Fray James Erold Gatinao Sr. Annielyn Alejado, AR Sis. Salvacion Alonzo, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Venus Corazon Maturan, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Bro. Arnel Ortega (Tondo Chapter / Trial) Jay Warren Oberes (RAY-Balamban) Regina Kyle Regonas (RAY-Balamban) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1969-2023) Fray Hernando Coja DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Rosario Padilla, AR + Sis. Luzonica del Rosario, SAR (Manila Chapter)	4 All day September 4, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR OAR VOCATION SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION Be reminded of the plenary indulgence we may obtain today! APOSTOLIC VISIT TO MONGOLIA Day 5: Ulaanbaatar, Rome 0930 Meeting with charity workers and the inauguration of the House of Mercy. Speech by pope. 1130 Farewell ceremony at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar. 1200 Departure by plane for Rome. 1720 Arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino airport. OLCP- LARAY FIESTA MASS Time: 5:00 p.m. Presider & Homilist: Most Rev. Emilio Bataclan, D.D. BIRTHDAY Sis. Mary Grace Morales, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Eufrocina Estanislao, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Marianne Burgos, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Rosario Claver, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Ms. Brenda Saliendra, Sister General of the OAR ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1993-2023 / 30th) Fray Emilio Jaruda, Jr. DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Melchora de Sta. Teresita de Jesus, AR +Sis. Dorotea Magallon, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Nonita Gingoyon, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	5 All day September 5, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Sixto Ciriaco Bitangjol Fray Tomokatsu Yamaguchi Sis. Marilyn Pariñas, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Luz Virginia Mapalo, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Camila Doctor (RAY-Urbiztondo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Antonia Dinsay, AR +Sis. Genoveva Deligero, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	6 All day September 6, 2023 INSTALLATION OF MOST REV. MOISES M. CUEVAS AS VICAR APOSTOLIC OF CALAPAN (Mindoro Oriental) [Hence, cession of the appointment of Rev. Fr. Nestor Adalia as Apostolic Administrator of Calapan] BIRTHDAY Fray Michael Catama Fray Rellyric Delos Santos Fray John Zachary Haguisan Bro. Jimi Paolo Valeza, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Nimfa Ramirez, SAR (Manila Chapter)	7 All day September 7, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Regino Bangcaya Sr. Anita Manigo, AR Sis. Charito Muñoz, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Cynthia Lata, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Rosalina Dumdum, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Osita Atotubo, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Estela Pahilanga, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Regina Babao, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	8 All day September 8, 2023 BIRTHDAY OF MAMA MARY BIRTHDAY Fray René Paglinawan Fray Monday Benjamine Edobor Sr. Alejandra Bendoval, AR Sis. Gregoria Torion, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Ma. Lota Ignacio, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE & SOLEMN PROFESSION Sr. Loraine Lechago, OAR DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Lourdes Lolita Caballero, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) +Sis. Leticia Jacinto, SAR (Manila Chapter)	9 All day September 9, 2023 SECRETARIAT ON INITIAL FORMATION MEETING 9:00 a.m. / Recoletos Formation Center BIRTHDAY Sr. Arlyn de la Cruz, AR Br. Ramon Bancal (aspirant) Sis. Maria Corazon Sigua, SAR (Manila Chapter) Laurence Canillo (RAY-Balamban) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1985-2023) Fray Dionisio Selma DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Gloria Donato, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
10 All day September 10, 2023 SOLEMNITY OF ST. NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINE Be reminded of the plenary indulgence we may obtain today! 53nd FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF THE RECOLETOS DE PROVINCIALATE AS A COMMUNITY (Est. 1970) BEATIFICATION OF THE ULMA FAMILY [Josef & Wiktoria and their seven children, including the unborn] Place of beatification: Markowa, Poland FIESTA MASS @ SNT ORATORY– UNO-R BACOLOD FIESTA MASS @ SNTP – TALISAY CITY, NEGROSOCCIDENTAL Time: 10:00 a.m. Presider: Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, D.D. FIESTA MASS @ SNTP – QUEZON CITY Time: 6:00 p.m. Presider: Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D. FIESTA MASS @ SNDT MISSION CENTER – LOS ARCOS, AGUSAN DEL SUR Time: 9:00 a.m. Presider: Msgr. Isaleo Madelo (Vicar General for Pastoral Affairs) BIRTHDAY Sr. Eufrocina Rusiana, AR Sr. Mary Grace Judith Alamares, AR Bro. Inocencio Sayo, SAR (Miranila Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Ruperto Santos, D.D. (Bishop of Antipolo) (1989-2023) Fray Francisco Antonio Fray Amadeo Lucero DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Josefina Alegata, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	11 All day September 11, 2023 Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines– Men Assembly / September 11 – 15, 2023 Venue: St. Ezekiel Moreno Spirituality and Development Center, Brgy. San Jose, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Theme: “Enlarge the space of your tent” (Is 54:2) BOT MEETING – USJ-R MAIN, CEBU Venue: USJ-R Main, Cebu / 2:00 p.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Emilio Edgardo Quilatan Br. John Marco Daniel (postulant) Br. Christian Julag-ay (aspirant) Br. Francis Cortez, SAR (Manila Chapter / diocesan priest) Sis. Herminigilda Hernandez, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Davic James Cabatingan (RAY-Valencia) Dianne Morales (RAY-Provincialate) SILVER ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1998-2023) Fray Randolph Castulo Castillo Fray Charlito Orobia Fray Amado Emmanuel Bolilia Fray Jonathan Caballero DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Emilia Cruz, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	12 All day September 12, 2023 BOT MEETING – USJ-R BALAMBAN Venue: USJ-R Main, Cebu / 9:00 AM BIRTHDAY Fray Jorr Rabacal Br. Eivan Earl Martinez (postulant) Br. Ramon Jayson Valdez (aspirant) Sis. Esmalita Amigable, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Gerald Artates (RAY-Provincialate) PRESBYTERAL ANNIVERSARY (1992-2023) Fray Leander Barrot Fray Paulino Dacanay	13 All day September 13, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Rosario Gaspar, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Aida Lopez, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Pacita Cisneros, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Robert John Navarro (RAY-Miranila) Hon. Rufus Rodriguez, Brother General of the Order ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1970-2023) Fray Dionisio Cachero ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1997-2023) Fray Jose Ernil Almayo DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Fray Emilio Larlar Jr. (2020-2023) +Sis. Paz Garciano, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	14 All day September 14, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Lourdes Piccio, AR Sr. Floramae Lanuza, AR Sis. Catalina Marzon, SAR (Tondo Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Rizalina Poblete, SAR (Cavite Chapter) +Bro. Paulino de la Cerna, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	15 All day September 15, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Anthony Morillo Fray James Bumangabang Bro. John Bumangabang, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Leonida Tejada, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Patria Laguna, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Beah Marie Ganarias (RAY-Bacolod) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Lolita Jara, SAR (Tondo Chapter) +Sis. Josefina Villa, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	16 All day September 16, 2023 111th ANNIVERSARY (1912-2023) OF RELIGIOSAS FAMILIAS BIRTHDAY Fray Joseph Cyprian Panaligan Fray Robin Ross Plata Sr. Mary Ann Lumactao, AR Bro. Nestor Paredes, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Angeles Gabutina, AR +Sis. Maxima Barrera, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
17 All day September 17, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Ma. Nimfa Garganta, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Aurora Guilaran, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Anita Luces, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Julia Tamsi (RAY-Baguio) Most Rev. Socrates Mesiona, D.D. (Apost. Vicariate of Puerto Princesa) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Regina Morales, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	18 All day September 18, 2023 BOT MEETING – UNO-R BACOLOD Venue: UNO-R Bacolod / 2:00 p.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Henry Santiago Br. Sean Cass Alvarez (postulant) Sr. Ma. Ruth Gulane, AR Sis. Mary Ann Cabanes, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Demetria Bayona, SAR (Talisay Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Lourdes Donayre, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	19 All day September 19, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK FEAST OF ST. ALONSO DE OROZCO 5TH ANNIVERSARY (1918-2023) OF THE ARRIVAL OF THE PIONEER RECOLETOS IN INDONESIA BOT MEETING – CST-R SAN CARLOS Venue: UNO-R Bacolod / 8:00 a.m. BOT MEETING – SPA-R CAIDIOCAN Venue: UNO-R Bacolod / 10:00 a.m. BOT MEETING – CSP-R VALENCIA Venue: UNO-R Bacolod /2:00 p.m. BOT MEETING – CSNT-R TALISAY Venue: UNO-R Bacolod / 4:00 p.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Joseph Philip Trayvilla Fray Joel Alve Bro. Leonaldrin Ostia, SAR (Tondo Chapter / Trial)	20 All day September 20, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Nena Labrague, AR Sr. Kristine Ignacio, AR Sis. Corazon Catindig, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Normita Pleno, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Estella Marie Andador (RAY-Talisay)	21 All day September 21, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Alexus Mansueto Sis. Carmencita Estillore, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Estrelleta Alao, SAR (Laray Chapter) Sis. Normita Pleno, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Efigenia Itong, SAR (Manila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Isabel Pantoja, AR +Sr. Salvacion Olalo, AR +Sr. Ma. Susana Quiñones, AR +Sis. Aquilina Gonzales, SAR (Manila Chapter)	22 All day September 22, 2023 APOSTOLIC JOURNEY TO MARSEILLE BIRTHDAY Sr. Marietta Angelica Gunayan, AR Sr. Nancy Macaraig, AR Sr. Sheryl Garcia, AR Sis. Mauricia Romero, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Pilar Gomez, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Lebron Jay Bantog (RAY-Valencia)	23 All day September 23, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Vicente Ramon, Jr. Sis. Julia Sonsona, SAR (Tondo Chapter) ANNIVERSAY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Roberto Gaa (Diocese of Novaliches) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Sebastiana Jaropojop, AR +Sr. Agustina Salcedo, AR +Sis. Florencia Velarde, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Dolores Romarate, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
24 3:40 PM September 24, 2023 109th WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES Pope Francis’ Message: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/migration/documents/20230511-world-migrants-day-2023.html BIRTHDAY Br. Christian Jay Manalo (aspirant) Sis. Bernadita Campos, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Dinah Espino, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Aura Mae Salanap, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sugarrey Rendajae (RAY-Talisay) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1967-2023) Fray Emeterio Buñao	25 All day September 25, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Lucita Mingueto, OAR DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Esperanza Heffler, AR	26 All day September 26, 2023 DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Socorro Ladim, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) +Sis. Belen Osorio, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	27 All day September 27, 2023 44TH WORLD TOURISM DAY Theme: “Tourism and Green Investment” Pope Francis’ Message: http://www.evangelizatio.va/ content/dam/pcpne/pdf/PastoraledelTurismo/44Messaggio/ Messaggio%20GMT%202023%20-%20Inglese.pdf BIRTHDAY Sr. Rafaela Paras, AR Sr. Damiana Tafalla, AR Sr. Ma. Melodina Ramirez, AR Sis. Encarnacion Cinco, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Susan Manalon, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) Sis. Ruth Miralles, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY: +Sr. Genoveva del Santísimo Sacramento, AR	28 All day September 28, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE MISSION BLESSED MARTYRS OF JAPAN 1ST FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF RECOLETOS DE LOS ARCOS MEETING OF PROVINCIAL PROCURATORS Sept. 28-30, 2023 / Rome BIRTHDAY Bro. Ruel Alcedo, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Salome Mapili, SAR (Valencia Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Iluminada Apurillo, AR +Sis. Concesa da Silva, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	29 All day September 29, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Roderick Deguit Br. Joseph Alladen Lagare (aspirant) Sis. Mercedita Macabihag, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Rodelin Oredina (RAY-Talisay) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Maria Acuña, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Elvira Birondo, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	30 All day September 30, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Ferdinand Fornilos Sis. Teresita Labos, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (2017-2023) Fray Invenzor Melgazo Fray Jayferson Baldelovar Fray Mark Saludes DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Fabiana Gimongala, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

Reflection: The Lord’s Ascension

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