S&F-Visitation and Ascension

This weekend is a dichotomy in the Catholic Church.  We get to celebrate two feast days.  Today is the feast of the Visitation and tomorrow we get to celebrate the Ascension.

In the Visitation we see the first time Jesus was recognized even though he was still in Mary's womb.  On Mary's arrival to see her cousin Elizabeth, she is celebrated as the Mother of the Lord.  Elizabeth's own unborn child "Leaps for joy" in the presence of the forthcoming savior.  It is the first time Jesus was recognized on Earth.

Although the actual feast is on Thursday, in order to allow everyone to celebrate, we observe the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven on Sunday.  In the presence of his followers Jesus was taken to be with the Father.  This was the last time he was recognized on Earth.

I think this weekend is like the bookends of Jesus's time as a man.  In his 33 years on Earth as a man he was able to change the world.  His time here continues to effect us 2000 years later.  He did have the advantage of being both divine and man, but who says we can't have an effect to the world as we know it today.

To quote Jesus himself:

"Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;

I am with you always, until the end of the world." -Mt 28

None of us is going to have the influence of Jesus, but we are called to proclaim the Gospel.  I think if we do with confidence Jesus will take care of the rest.