Recollection- 11th May, 2024
Theme: Jesus’ immeasurable greatness of power in the one who believes in Him’.
My dear Sisters, on the feast of the Ascension, we are called to rejoice both in Jesus’ victory over sin and death and in the glorious life that He has secured for each one of us. In Christian belief, the ascent of Jesus into heaven 40 days after the Resurrection. The Book of Acts relates that after several appearances to the Apostles over a period of 40 days, Jesus was taken up in their presence and hidden behind a cloud, a symbol of God’s presence. This event is thought to indicate a new relationship between Jesus and God and between Jesus and His followers. The feast of the Ascension is universally observed by Christians, and its celebration emphasizes the Kingship of Christ. Since the 4th centuary, it has been celebrated 40 days after Easter and ten days before Pentecost. Let’s hope and pray that we may be able to experience the new life that is ours in Christ.
Venerable Mother Veronica nee Sophie Leeves experienced new life in Christ when along with her sister, Mary Ann, both became adamant to be baptised as Roman Catholics. The Holy Spirit filled them with grace and despite all opposition from their Mother both embraced Jesus as Roman Catholics. Their love for Jesus surpassed all fear and later both the sisters responded to God’s call and joined the Convent.
Three aspects of that new life stand out in the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians
[Ch-1: 18 – 19] “May you know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power in us who believe.”
As Christians, our hope is secure because it rests in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Because Jesus has overcome sin forever, we can live in freedom and peace, no matter what situations we may face. We have been reconciled to God and so we are no longer strangers. Every day, we can live in confidence, knowing that our God is with us to strengthen and comfort us.
Our hope is also founded in the inheritance Jesus won for us none other than being with our Father forever, knowing Him intimately, in all His splendour and beauty. In His Ascension, Jesus has opened the door for us. Though we are sinners, we have been forgiven and redeemed. We are now fully loved and accepted as God’s children, and we will live with Him forever.
As we live every day in the hope of our eternal inheritance, however, we can begin to taste these blessings here and now.Inspite of many trials and difficulties,hope in the Lord was the anchor that gave courage to Mother Veronica. Though the Convent at Bayyone, France had to be closed she continued to pray with zeal, faith and hope and was successful in the Foundation of the second Novitiate at Pau in France.The teaching of Mother Veronica was –Put your trust in God alone. Be of good courage, the darkness of the night will pass and joy comes in the morning.
This is the part of the immeasurable greatness of His power in us who believe. Before Jesus returned to His Father, Jesus promised His disciples that anyone who believed in Him would be able to cast out demons, heal the sick, and perform signs and wonders in His name
(Mk 16:17-18). How does it happen? By the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives inside of us. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is in our hearts, inviting us to yield to Him and empowering us to live in the victory of the resurrection.
No challenge is too great for a child of God! And we are fortunate to have our beloved Father, who lives in us, stays with us, strengthens us and renew us with the fullness of His Spirit.
Some points to ponder:-
- As the disciples watched Jesus being lifted up to heaven, do you think that they would have been tempted to feel abandoned and panicked about their Risen Lord leaving the earth? Think of a time in your life when you felt as if Jesus had abandoned you. How can Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit bring you comfort at such a time?
- Exercise your hope today by calling to mind Jesus’ death and resurrection and the salvation He won for you on the cross. How can you more fully place your hope and confidence in these truths?
Have you tasted the blessings here and now of your eternal inheritance? Ask God for a powerful outpouring of His Spirit so that He can manifest His power in your life.
On this day of celebrating Christ’s ascension into heaven, dear Sisters, we are reminded of the great mission mandate given to the disciples and to all believers. Jesus commanded His followers to go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.
This commission is not limited to the apostles alone but extends to all who have been baptized and received the Holy Spirit. As followers of Christ, we are called to be witnesses of our faith in the Risen Christ. Our mission is to share the Good News with others and to live out our faith through our words and actions. we need to boldly proclaim the love and mercy of Jesus to all who may approach us. The task of evangelization may seem daunting, but we are not alone in the mission. The Holy Spirit has been sent to guide and empower us. Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which have been sealed upon our hearts, we are equipped to carry out the mission of the Lord. We are given the necessary tools, such as wisdom, understanding, courage and fortitude to effectively communicate the message of the Gospel. The mission of the Lord is vast and deep, reaching into every corner of the world and every aspect of human life. It requires our wholehearted commitment and dedication. On this beautiful day, let us reflect on our own commitment and dedication as a CCR to the cause of evangelization.
May we renew our resolve to be faithful witnesses of Christ in our daily lives, and may the Holy Spirit guide us in our mission to bring the light of Christ to the world. Lord, continue to guide our capitulars of the VII Provincial Chapter which has begun already. Inspire their hearts and minds to adhere to Your will and may they do whatever is right and just. Be with them especially, today in their Provincial Elective Phase.
As we aspire to embark on a Synodal Journey, enable us for a creative fidelity, to the Carmelite Spirit and to the charism handed on to us by Venerable Mother Veronica, our beloved Foundress. Lord, being faithful to Your love, may every Sister work together as a Province for Your greater glory and for the good of the humanity.
