Ascending Hope

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

01 June 2025

 

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 or Hebrews 9:24-28;10:19-23

Gospel: Luke 24:46-53

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

Most of us are familiar with how feeling hopeful feels like. Some of us may have also faced hopelessness once or a few times in our lives. But there can be a path between being hopeless and being hopeful where we may often find ourselves trying to find hope in things that do not really make sense. A path that after pain, suffering, and doubt, we go through restoration and find a renewed hope in ways we never expected.

Jesus, as ever, brings a powerful message of hope—a hope that go beyond boundaries and time. Just as He commissioned His apostles to be His witnesses, assuring them that the Holy Spirit would fill them with grace and power, we witness similar anointing in moments of renewal and leadership in our modern society. Just like the disciples' hope was renewed after the resurrection and the many times Jesus was with them until His ascension, we are reminded that hope is sustained not only by what is seen but also by what is promised. Saint Paul prays that we may have our hearts enlightened so that we may fully comprehend the hope to which we are called. A hope that is rooted in Christ's resurrection, ascension, and His exalted authority over us. But this also says something about our longing for meaning and assurance that, regardless of our circumstances, we will always be part of God's redemption.

After the 2022 elections, I honestly felt hopeless on how people choose our leaders. In the next years after, I have been on a path of picking up the broken pieces and trying to make sense of a blurred hope for our country. But recently, after the midterm elections, we have witnessed a renewal in leadership that many see as an indication of a better tomorrow. The re-election of Pasig City Mayor has reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, accountability, and progressive governance. His leadership has inspired confidence and a belief in change. Also, the proclamation of the new Mayor of Naga, can be seen as a symbol of communal hope and affirmation. This reminds us that genuine leadership, born out of integrity and service to the people, can uplift a society in profound ways. Just as Jesus promised that His followers would be gifted with power to witness His love and truth throughout the earth, today we see leaders who are dedicated to the public good. Triumphs like these also remind us that hope can be restored and that integrity in public service is both possible and necessary.

Seeing this, I came to realize that hope is never passive but will always be persistent. It requires each one of us to look beyond our doubts, and trust in the providence that works through leaders infused with righteousness. In some form of a promise or a vote for reform, hope fuels action. It invites us to be active participants in a movement that bridges the gap between eternal truth and everyday reality.

Hope is alive, ever-renewing, and electable. Just as the disciples were called to be witnesses to a kingdom that reigns from on high, today’s leaders remind us that the spirit of renewal is both a gift and a responsibility. The promise of the Father invites us to trust, to act, and to be the change that our communities so desperately need. In this light, every act of leadership and every empowered vote becomes an echo of that timeless hope, urging us all to look up with expectation, embrace the promise, and work together toward a future filled with divine possibility. As we continue to look up like the disciples during the ascension of Jesus, we ask God for the grace to cultivate this ascending hope in our daily lives.

Prayer

In You alone, Jesus, our hope.

In You alone, Christ,  our strength.

In You alone, Lord, we are justified.

In You alone, we are saved.

We pray that we may open our hearts

and let Your love fill the emptiness in our soul

until it overflows with joy that we are longing for.

Unto You we pour out our hearts,

You alone will save us with Your love and mercy.

AMEN.