The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension

The following is the sixteenth of twenty monthly reflections about the Mysteries of the Rosary as they relate to family life.  The mysteries will not be necessarily chronological but presented as they interact with the liturgical year.

          As summer approaches, so do the opportunities to view fireworks. We seem never to tire of the marvelous displays of light and color, often set to music, as they grab our attention and stir our emotions. When I was a young boy, no Fourth of July would be complete without having a chance to view the fireworks, and even with many years and memories in between, I still have vivid recollections of seeing such displays with my family. However, even with all that fun and fanfare, I have found that, as a parent, I now enjoy fireworks from an entirely new perspective.
          Instead of watching the fireworks themselves, I often find myself turning around and watching their reflection in the eyes of my children. The sparks of light and flashes of color have a unique and distinct beauty when seen in those dilated pupils. I do not even miss witnessing the original show as I get to see the joy and wonder in those angelic faces, transfixed by the sights in the sky above them.
          I imagine a similar scene in this month’s Rosary mystery, the Ascension. Described in Acts 1:6-12, Jesus’ followers have been reveling in his resurrected return as he has repeatedly proven the reality of his new life. And then, rather suddenly, he is taken from them. I see them there in my mind’s eye, with their gaze fixed on the heavens that have just received the Lord. Perhaps they are imagining all that had taken place in the recent past and still trying to make sense of it. With Jesus’ second departure, the first being his death, they are probably feeling once again the uncertainty of what to do or where to go next. Jesus, in his life, teachings, miracles, and passion, has held their attention for so long, they do not yet know where to look now.
          It is during this time of introspection and immobility that “two men dressed in white,” presumably angels, inquire as to why the group is staring at the sky. The messengers assure those gathered that Jesus will someday return to Earth in a comparable manner. It is a message of hope in preparation for the coming of the Holy Spirt.
          This whole story prompts certain questions for me. Most prominently, what holds our attention in such a way now? We often seem preoccupied with our smartphones, social media, work, material possessions, and the like. Though advances in technology and work are supposed to have made life easier, we cannot often find a way to give our time to worthier endeavors such as quality time with family and friends, silent prayer or adoration, and scriptural or spiritual reading. We give our attention to what holds the most value for us, and taking time to reassess is always a worthwhile endeavor.
          The Ascension is a good reminder of what is actually of great value and of where we hope to join Jesus someday. Reaffirming our commitment to our faith will ensure that we are ready for our own moment of transition from this world to the next. As the men in white reminded the Apostles, Jesus will come again. Will we be watching for him?