B: Ascension Sunday (13 May 2018) - COLLEGIAL LEADERSHIP - Mk 16:15-20

“So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God (Mk 16:19).”

This biblical text corroborates what is declared in the Apostle’s Creed about Jesus: “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” This implies two things: 1) Jesus body and soul was taken up, and 2) Jesus shares with God’s glory in heaven. Both these points teach us that Jesus and the Father work in perfect harmony. After being incarnated and obediently dying on the cross, Jesus resurrects from the death, enters his Father’s house and now receives his place where he is seated next to him, both in blissful glory. Additionally, before leaving earth, Jesus commissions his disciples, granting them authority to proclaim the word and perform wonders in his name (vv. 17, 18, 20).

The word ascension nowadays is associated with ascent to power, fame, social status, and glory. All strive towards the zenith of success to the point that this becomes life’s main priority. However, the sad thing is that when one ascends it is almost tantamount that another should automatically descend, as if there is only one seat available. Thus, for one to be on top, he/she has to knock off the competitor. Life then becomes a boxing match, that for one to win, the opponent should be knocked down. And the victorious is the last-man-standing.

Jesus’ ascension to heaven teaches otherwise. When he ascended to heaven, he had made sure first that others are delegated, commissioned and empowered with the Spirit (Jn 20:21-23). And as he rises up to heaven, he begins to sit beside his heavenly Father, both of them in full glory. In the Christian belief on the ascension, nobody is knocked off, nobody is belittled, nobody is undervalued. Because our doctrine tells us that all of us are born to enjoy God’s glorious bliss in the afterlife. And there are more than enough “rooms” for us if we together strive for it (Jn 14:2).

Our society nowadays is marred with selfish ambitions and domination over others. Ascension means the elevation of one over the others. But this is not the Christian way, we are called to cooperate with one another. A true captain of the ship does not knock off critiques, competitors, and companions. Rather, he/she is willing to take the step back allowing others to participate and be empowered in full collegiality. This though is far from being realized in the Philippine setting when one by one critical collaborators are knocked off from their seats of stewardship while one enjoys total control and absolute hold of political power… with the majority bowing down and following blindly out of fear.

May we then put to mind that life is not a boxing match, but a rough sail towards God’s harbor. What we need is a collegial captain of the ship to guide us, while we are all empowered to participate in the oaring. Remember, we are sailors, not pirates. May we all be inspired to work together as one community less our boat sinks unto the depths of China Sea.

- Rex Fortes, CM