May 13, Ascension of the Lord

God mounts his throne to shouts of joy:a blare of trumpets for the Lord.— Psalm 47:6

Mass Readings: Acts 1:1-11 / Ephesians 1:17-23 or Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23 / Luke 24:46-53

Now Is the Time

I must confess to you I’m a first-class procrastinator. There’s nothing I enjoy doing more than putting off doing something until tomorrow, next week or next month — or, if I’m lucky, forever. One popular method of inventory control in business is known as “just in time,” where supplies don’t arrive until they are needed. My own system is more honestly known as “It’s about time.”

That’s why I identify with the apostles who, after Jesus ascended into heaven, were asked by the two men in white garments: “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?” (Acts 1:11). I would have been happy to stand there until the Second Coming — or at least dinner. Some days I ask myself: When will I stop gazing and start doing?

Prayer: St. Peter and the apostles, prod me into acting for the faith as you did.