Momentary Disbelief over Christ’s Glory
A Reflection for Ascension Sunday
Brent Smith, Director of Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization
As the Apostles prepared to head to Galilee, which would take them a whole day, they likely were sidetracked by errands and practical concerns. As a band of brothers who regularly shared table fellowship, a pair of them surely went to the marketplace to purchase grapes, walnuts, and a skin of wine. Another pair may have visited other believers to tell of the empty tomb, good news less a week old! Some of the Apostles must have had health concerns, or else their family members did. Although Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law (Lk 4:38-39), none of the Gospel writers record Jesus physically healing relatives of the others. So they probably needed to busy themselves with personal matters before visiting Jesus risen from the dead.
In the Gospel account for this Sunday, we are reminded of the mixed reaction of these faithful men, “When they saw him [who is Jesus], they worshipped, but they doubted” (Matthew 28:17). Since they have only recently witnessed his execution and burial, Jesus’s triumph over death itself must have seemed entirely incredible! It’s safe, however, to presume their doubt was a bit of momentary disbelief. As the committed companions of Christ, they were previously given astonishing abilities, “Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, heal those who suffer dreaded skin diseases, and drive out demons” (Mt 10:8, Today’s English Version). While they would continue to make use of those capabilities, Jesus risen from the dead instructs them to baptize the men, women, and children who join the Christian Way.
In celebration of Christ’s Ascension to heavenly glory, I recommend reflecting and praying with this passage from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians:
“I ask that your minds may be opened to see [our Heavenly Father’s] light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you… and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world. Christ rules there above all…”
(Eph 1:18-21, Today’s English Version)