“Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder”

Ascension Day – Sunday, May 24 ~~ “Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder“

Ascension Day is the day that Jesus became absent, which may be why it is the most forgotten holy day of the church year. Who wants to celebrate being left behind? As the old adage goes, however, “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Absence is heightened awareness, a sharpened appetite, a finer perception. Details that got lost in our togetherness are recalled in our separateness, and their sudden clarity opens our hearts wide. With Jesus’ absence, the disciples’ hearts are wide open to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Likewise, in our physical absence from one another, we discover the Holy Spirit calling us to new a way of living, too.