Times of change and transition can be tricky. Some changes are highly anticipated, like the first day of university or the weeks leading up to your 10th birthday (double digits!). Others are met with more hesitation, anxiety, or fear. Perhaps you’ve experienced the pain of losing a job, a difficult diagnosis, or the desire to continue turning 27 any number of years after you’ve actually turned 27. Change is one of the most certain things in life and yet we struggle with how to handle it.
In today’s Gospel, the apostles were facing an incredible change. Jesus, who had been with them for a mere 40 days after his death and resurrection, was leaving them. They were only just grasping the enormity of the mission Jesus was equipping them for. From the Acts of the Apostles, we know they were fearful of what could possibly happen to them. But in Luke’s account of their actions immediately following the Ascension, they weren’t only fearful. In spite of the oncoming change, they were also full of “great joy.” No matter the change we are facing, we can learn from the Apostles the kind of attitude we ought to have toward the new situation.
First, we have to trust in God’s plan for our life. Jesus told the Apostles that they were witnesses to everything He had done and were responsible for sharing the Good News with others. He also promised that He would send the blessing of the Father, the Holy Spirit, to be with them always. We receive this same commission and the same promise. Throughout life’s changes, there is always Good News to share. No matter what transition is beyond our control, the Holy Spirit is with us.
In light of these two facts, we can rejoice and be full of joy like the Apostles. This joy isn’t something we should keep to ourselves. The Apostles went to the temple where they continually offered praise to God. When we don’t know what to do and we don’t know what’s coming next, one action we can take with certainty is praise. The first part of the Our Father is a statement of praise.
When we praise God, we acknowledge his position in our lives. He is our Creator, our Father, Love itself. He is the Author of all things and the Maker of existence. Nothing is outside of His authority and nothing is beyond His notice. He knows what we are going through and He knows what is coming next. When we offer praise, like the Apostles, we have the opportunity to offer to God our fears and uncertainties. We open ourselves to God’s majesty and give Him the space to fill us with His joy and peace.
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Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
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