Letting go

Podcast

• Listen to this homily

Scripture references

• Acts 1:1-11
• Ephesians 1:17-23
• Mark 16:15-20

Reflection

The arrival of Spring has been a bit slow in coming this year, but finally this past week, we were able to enjoy some wonderful weather, as the sun and warmth that are sure signs of spring have seemed at long last to have found us.  Springtime brings with it, many various rituals which we may or may not be aware of: raking and preparing yards and gardens are a sign of hope as we await the promise of summer heat and another growing season; University and College students have already completed their academic year and are well into their summer break; in just a few short weeks, High School and elementary pupils will complete their year of study, and look forward to new horizons.

At least in some cases, and I dare think that these are more than just a few, those who are facing the prospect of new jobs, new classmates, new prospects and possibilities in the coming months may be looking forward with just a bit of excitement tempered with a bit of anxiety because especially in situations where changes will take place, there is bound to be a bit of worry about how new surroundings will change our routines or introduce us to new adventures.

One of the sure signs of growth and maturity in children is the degree of confidence they develop in themselves.  Self confidence is not always evident, especially when we embark on new endeavours, or when new developments force major changes in our lives.  The disciples experienced this truth when Jesus finally ascended into heaven, effectively sending them into the whole world to continue the work of sharing the Good News with others (Mk 16:15).

What an awesome responsibility He has given us, entrusting us with the task of carrying on His work!  From the earliest days, human beings who have been called to this task have responded with fear and trepidation because none of us is capable of doing this work on our own, but that’s just the thing: this is not our work; what we proclaim to others is the truth that we ourselves have first heard and come to believe.

The apostle Paul reminds us that we are not alone, and that the work we do in faith has its origin in God Himself.  It is God’s wisdom that we have been entrusted with.  It is He Himself who enlightens us and gives us hope (Eph 1:17-18) and when all is said and done, it is He Himself who lives and breathes in us, who brings us into contact with others who are seeking, who gives us words of wisdom so we can speak about his love to others.

We are familiar with the belief that at certain times in life, we need to let go of some situations, and trust that the work will somehow get done, but have you ever stopped to think that at the moment when he ascended to the Father, Jesus too had to let go of that which he had accomplished, leaving it in the hands of others who he had grown to know and love, and relinquishing ultimate control for how his message would be communicated to others?  We believe that Jesus is always with us, guiding us and accompanying us on our pilgrimage through life, but he has entrusted us with the task of proclaiming to others what we ourselves have heard and come to believe.  Thankfully, this is not a task that we do on our own.

Oscar Romero, the former Archbishop of San Salvador once wrote of his belief that we human beings are workers in the Lord’s vineyard.  We are not the master builders, God is.  All we do is water seeds that have already been planted, knowing that they hold future promise.  We lay foundations that will need further development, and we provide yeast that produces far beyond our capacities.  None of us can do everything that is required, but each of us can do something, each of us can provide new beginnings, or take a step along the way, recognizing all along the opportunities for God’s grace to enter into our work, and to provide whatever is lacking.  How our good works will bear fruit is not our concern (Acts 1:7).  We may never see the end results of the good we do, but that’s just the point: we are ministers, not messiahs, and the work we do is inspired and guided by God.  He himself will bring it to fruition.