It is true of any special event, that 40 days seems like ages, when one has to wait for that event to happen. In the intervening time preparations go on, finer details are seen to making that event extra special, then it seems as if 40 days have just gone by. This has been so for me, and may be you also during the Lenten season, from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. But for us the intervening period has been grace filled with daily mass, sacrifices, fasting, abstinence, stations of the cross, sacrament of reconciliation and holy week services amidst restrictions and uncertainties. Finally even our homes have been blessed.

Another 40 days and we will celebrate the Ascension of our Lord Jesus. Jesus spent these days appearing to his apostles and disciples when they experienced His peace (“My Peace I give you”), His love and unconditional forgiveness. In His Ascension Jesus returned to his Father, having completed His mission on earth perfectly, this time in full view of His apostles, disciples (and His mother for sure). He did not abandon them but sent down His Spirit empowering them to go and proclaim Him to the world.

When reciting the creed… “He ascended into haven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father….” I pictured Jesus seated majestically on a throne with a jewel studded crown and scepter in hand. That picture remained with me for years till quite recently it came to me that Jesus would not sit idly on the throne. I have found that Jesus is on call 24×7 and every micro-second; be it in our fear and anxiety, doubt and despair, sickness and health, joy and suffering, in temptations and in our victory over sin. You name it and He is with us. Most importantly, every time and every day we receive Jesus in Holy Communion, we receive the Body and Blood, soul and Divinity of Jesus, in every cell of our being. Jesus has promised that He will be with us always. Let us keep in mind that we carry within us the SON OF GOD! Imprint on your soul that Jesus suffered mercilessly, was nailed to the cross and hung there for 3 hours, died and rose again( for me) and for you as a person so that we could be with Him for all eternity.

Let us not waste the special graces of this Lenten season. Let it be a memorable one in which we decide on Ascension Day to begin a relationship with Jesus, making Him the center of our life and bring our children to do the same.

I pray that the joy of our risen Lord, His divine mercy and the power of His Holy Spirit may dwell in our hearts and homes always.

-J.RODRIGUES