Several friends served as firefighters and rescued fallen climbers or drivers who ended up in rivers or ravines. They climbed down to the fallen, administered first aid, & always leading the way, lifted them to safety.

Jesus is God the Father's rescue team, sent to raise up a fallen world. He goes before us, as a Good Shepherd, administers spiritual first aid, but wants to lead us, eventually to the safety of heaven.

The Ascencion, 40 days after the resurrection, is Jesus going before us, leading the way to safety forever. Even so, He has not abandoned us. He & the Father send us their Holy Spirit. We have His Word, the Sacraments, the Body of Christ the Church, the gift of prayer, etc. We try to focus on God's will/presence in this world without taking our eyes off our heavenly destiny. 

Following the instructions of my firefighter friends, many victims climbed to safety. Are we following the instructions of our Shepherd and rescuer? 

Fr. Mike Ronayne