Living Monstrance

When I played basketball in high school, our team didn’t win much.  In my last year, we won only twice in the twenty games we played.  But there was one thing we were good at.  It’s called “taking the charge.”

What is “taking the charge”?  Well, let’s say that the other team has a very good player that can dribble to the basket and score every time.  How do you stop such an offense?  You might try a little force, you know, and push him back from the basket.  But, the referee will gladly blow his whistle and give you a reprimand, and your whole team will pay the price.  Or, you could just step aside and give up and hope something changes this time.  You know, like a matador with a bull.  We all know that never works.

But there’s something else you can do.  You can plant yourself firmly in his path and let him run right into you.  Now, let me tell you, this can hurt.  But, you know what?  After you and the charging, unstoppable force fall to the ground together, our friend the referee will blow his whistle.

And then, he will give your team the ball.  Now, you’re on the offensive.

Sin and death used to be charging, unstoppable forces.  But when the Lord embraced the Passion, He took the charge from sin and death.  He took it head on, without flinching.  And just before He ascended to heaven, He gave the apostles a very important piece of information and a mission that goes with it:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Mt 28:18-20)

Now, Our team has the ball.  Now, We are on the offensive.

Happy Solemnity of the Ascension.