Ascension reveals the 'ultimate vocation' of all human beings, says Pope during prayer today

Catholic News Agency ^ | May 22, 2006

[NYer]

Vatican City, May. 22, 2006 (CNA) - At midday today, Benedict XVI appeared at the window of his private study in order to pray the "Regina Coeli" with thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square below.

The Pope first dedicated some remarks to the Ascension of the Lord, which falls on Thursday May 25, though in some countries it will be celebrated on Sunday May 28.

"Jesus' final gesture, has a dual significance," he said. "In the first place, by rising 'up' He unequivocally revealed His divinity. He returned from whence He came, in God, after having completed His mission on earth. Moreover, Christ ascended to heaven with the humanity He had assumed and caused to arise from the dead: that humanity is ours, transfigured, made divine, rendered eternal. Thus the Ascension reveals the 'ultimate vocation' of all human beings, each called to the eternal life of the Kingdom of God."

This year, the day of the Ascension of the Lord coincides with the World Day of Social Communications, dedicated to the theme: "The media: network of communication, communion and cooperation":

Benedict XVI recalled how "the Church looks attentively to the media as representing an important vehicle for spreading the Gospel, and for favoring solidarity among peoples by drawing their attention to the great issues."

On this subject, the Pope mentioned the "Walk the World" event, an initiative promoted by the United Nations World Food Program to combat hunger in the world."

"I remain close to this initiative in prayer," the Holy Father added. "And it is my heartfelt hope that, with a contribution from everyone, we may overcome the blight of hunger that still afflicts humanity.”

He concluded his address turning to the Virgin Mary to which “we particularly entrust our brethren oppressed by the scourge of hunger, those who go out to help them and those who, through the social communications media, contribute to strengthening links of solidarity and peace between peoples.”

[NYer]

The Pope first dedicated some remarks to the Ascension of the Lord, which falls on Thursday May 25, though in some countries it will be celebrated on Sunday May 28.

We will be celebrating the Feast of the Ascension this Thursday, May 25. How about your parish?

[the invisib1e hand]

give a man a fish, and, if it isn't stolen by his neighbors or leaders, he eats for a day.

teach a man to fish, and teach his neighbors and leaders not to steal his fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.

[Dajjal]

... the Ascension of the Lord, which falls on Thursday May 25, though in some countries it will be celebrated on Sunday May 28.

Since the Feast of the Ascension comes 40 days after Easter, does that mean that Easter fell on a Wednesday in those countries? That would mean Good Friday must have fallen on a Monday there.

[Dajjal]

Give a man a fire, and he'll be warm for one day. But set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life.

[Alex Murphy]

Give a man a fire, and he'll be warm for one day. But set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life.

If a man forces you to walk a mile in his moccasins, walk two miles.

At the end of your journey, not only will you understand him better, but you'll be a mile further away than he intended - and you'll have managed to escape with the jerk's shoes :D

[Campion]

Since the Feast of the Ascension comes 40 days after Easter, does that mean that Easter fell on a Wednesday in those countries?

Ah, 40 days, 43 days, it's all just liturgics correct to one significant digit.

[Coleus]

"Jesus' final gesture, has a dual significance," he said. "In the first place, by rising 'up' He unequivocally revealed His divinity. >>

sorry, i must disagree, the da vinci code says otherwise.

[Pyro7480]

;-)

How did your weekend protests go?

[Coleus]

it went very well, the weather was great and we had many people honking their horns with their thumbs up while they were driving into the mall.

[lightman]

Celebrating Thursday, since 40 does not equal 43. We'll be using this grand hymn from one of the earliest Church historians, Bede the Venerable, 8th C:

"A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing"
by The Venerable Bede, 673-735
Translated by Benjamin Webb, 1820-1885

1. A Hymn of glory let us sing:
New songs throughout the world shall ring:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Chirst, by a road before untrod,
Ascendeth to the throne of God.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

2. The holy apostolic band
Upon the Mount of Olives stand;
Alleluia! Alleluia!
And with His followers they see
Jesus' resplendent majesty.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

3. To whom the angels, drawing nigh,
"Why stand and gaze upon the sky?
Alleluia! Alleluia!
This is the Savior!" thus they say;
"This is His noble triumph-day."
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

4. "Again shall ye behold Him so
As ye today have seen Him go,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
In glorious pomp ascending high,
Up to the portals of the sky."
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

5. Oh, grant us thitherward to tend
And with unwearied hearts ascend
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Unto Thy kingdom's throne, where Thou,
As is our faith, art seated now.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

6. Be Thou our Joy and strong Defense
Who art our future Recompense:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
So shall the light that springs from Thee
Be ours through all eternity.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

7. O risen Christ, ascended Lord,
All praise to Thee let earth accord,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Who art, while endless ages run,
With Father and with Spirit One.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #212
Text: Acts 1: 11
Author: The Venerable Bede, 735
Translated by: Benjamin Webb, 1854, alt.
Titled: "Hymnum canamus gloriae"
Tune: "Lasst uns erfreuen"
1st Published in: _Geistliche Kirchengesaeng_
Town: Cologne, 1623