Then Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.   

"I’ve practiced this for hours, and now I think that I’ve got it all down. I’m not taking the easy way out, no wrappin’ this in ribbons. It’s no surprise I won’t be here tomorrow. Yeah, you and I will be a tough act to follow, but I know in time we’ll find this was no surprise. If I could see the future and how this plays out, I bet it’s better than where we are now."

Studying the Apostles' thought at the time of Jesus' ascension into heaven, one realizes that two things had to be on their minds. The one is the obvious one--Jesus was leaving them. But the second thought as described by Luke at the end of his Gospel is one that can be very helpful to us. They knew that this man was God; they knew that he was a friend of theirs and would be always. Such a knowledge of the future gave them the ability to live the present well: they were continually in the temple praising God filled with great joy.

Of course, it would not be a totally pleasant future as measured by modern standards: most of them would be martyred while serving the Lord. But for them, it really did not matter. The future of the Lord's friendship shaped every portion of their present lives. A general application can be made from this consideration: a person who looks to the future can often find help in a present task.

The man in the relationship in Daughtry's song "No Surprise" studied the future as he could envision it, and concluded that a breakup of the relationship was "better than where we are now." It is a thought that can direct a life as well. If a person can take a situation as it is occurring in his/her life at that moment, and project what it will be in the future, chances are that such a knowledge may lead him/her to alter the present in some way. If the path we have chosen will possibly lead to a future that will not be happy, for example, perhaps another path should be chosen. And likewise, if a person carefully studies a future that promises happiness, perhaps what is happening in the present is a good course of action.

Whether we are talking about romantic relationships or life situations, knowing a possible future will be a valuable tool in the present moment.                 

THOUGHT
As we study our lives in the future, what should be our primary thought?  Why?

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, your Apostles were filled with joy at your Son's ascension because the promise of his presence in their lives directed how they acted. May the knowledge of Jesus' friendship with us help us right now as we think about our futures. Be with us, we pray. 

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike

©2007 Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America