Today, 40 days after Easter, has been the traditional date for Ascension Thursday. (Some countries and some U. S. dioceses have moved it to this coming Sunday.)
Before the post-Vatican II restoration of the liturgy, a small ritual took place at the Ascension Thursday Mass. The server went over and snuffed out the paschal candle immediately after the Gospel was read – the passage in Mark saying that the risen Lord “was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.”
Since the paschal candle is a symbol of the presence of the risen Christ here on earth, this ritual could give the impression that Christ was no longer present among us.
The candle isn’t snuffed out anymore. It continues to burn as a sign that Christ is, as he promised, with us always, until the end of time. The paschal candle remains lit for the rest of the Easter Season…and it is lit throughout the whole year at baptisms and funerals.
The shadow of the cross again darkens the supper table. Jesus talks about his departure: “A little while and you will no longer see me.” His death is hours away.
Jesus says that they will weep and mourn at his cruel death, which will appear to be a failure for him, and a victory for his enemies.
But then Jesus says they will see him in a little while.
Jesus isn’t talking about his resurrection appearances. These are of only short duration. Nor is Jesus talking about his coming at the end of time. Jesus is talking about a more permanent reunion.
“Seeing” Jesus is understood to mean “experiencing" his real presence after his death and resurrection – a presence accomplished through the Holy Spirit.
In John’s Gospel, when Jesus appears to his disciples on Easter Sunday evening, the first thing he does is breathe the Holy Spirit upon them – the same Holy Spirit that I have received.
What Jesus is saying in today’s Gospel passage is intended also for me: He says, “You will ‘see’ (experience) my real presence.”
Take some quiet moments and experience the Lord’s presence.