This is the question that the two men dressed in white garments ask the disciples after Jesus ascended into heaven, and a cloud took him from their sight.  We all know why they are looking up at the sky.  It is because their friend Jesus has just left them (again!).  And they must have a mixture of sadness and longing in their hearts.  “Why does he have to leave again?” they must ask.  And, “What do we do now?”

If we know one thing about the spiritual life, we know this:  we have to always get used to change.  God makes his appearances to us, makes his presence felt to us in every-changing ways.  God is always trying to do something new with us.  And we have to keep the eyes of our hearts open and alert, attentive to the slightest change, the littlest movement.  This is our task.  I think the two men dressed in white are trying to console the disciples, reminding them of this, as if to say, “Don’t worry—Jesus will come back . . . in some new way.”    But in order to see him in his new manifestation, they cannot be looking up the sky.  They need to be looking around, at one another, at people, at the world.  For that is where Jesus wants to make his next appearance.  In the ordinary.

At the end of the mass, we, too, can be tempted to stand there, and look at the Virgensita over the altar, or at the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, waiting for some special feeling.  But instead, I think we are called and sent forth, into the world, to put into practice the love we experience at the mass, and to look for and find Jesus who is present all around us.   We are sent to bear witness to the struggle of others, to the worries of single mothers, to the fears of undocumented parishioners, to the reality of so many people who feel vulnerable.  We cannot be indifferent to the needs of those around us.  St. Augustine says this of the Ascended Jesus:  “Christ is now exalted above the heavens, but he still suffers on earth all the pain that we, the members of his body, have to bear.”  May we, too, bear witness to the suffering of Jesus who is in one another.  

This is to live the Ascension.

Do you have a background in behavioral health?
Have you ever accompanied someone through emotional or mental health challenges—or been helped yourself by a mental health professional?

Our parish is forming a Mental Health Ministry to offer spiritual companionship, compassionate presence, and a stigma-free space of welcome. Whether you’re professionally trained or simply have a heart for listening and supporting others, you are welcome.

Training and resources will be provided.
To learn more or express interest, contact Fr. Bard.

The Diocese of San Diego takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and addresses them promptly, confidentially, and with integrity. To report any incident of sexual misconduct, please contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator.
Criminal abuse that is reported or suspected is reported to law enforcement in accordance with civil law.

Mary Acosta

Coordinadora de Asistencia a Víctimas

(858) 490-8353.