Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Passing On The Torch

 I AM SENDING THE PROMISE OF MY FATHER UPON YOU

Holy One, from age to age, and from one generation to the next, you pass on your mission of love. Help us to appreciate this moment in time and our own place in it. Open our hearts and minds to your presence with gratitude for those who have gone before us and with hope for those who follow.

Share a time when you learned a lesson of joy from an intergenerational encounter with a younger or older person.

From left to the right: Cristian, Luis Miguel, Jose Carlos with Fr. Rafael Davila, M.M.

For over a century, each generation of Maryknoll priests and brothers has passed on their experience, ensuring that the vision of the founders continues to inspire a truly missionary spirit within the American Catholic Church. Today, Maryknoll’s future is not only in the hands of young men from the United States but also from East Africa, Asia, and Latin America, reflecting the global nature of mission work. At 93, Maryknoll Father Rafael R. Dávila could have chosen retirement, yet he recently requested an assignment to Bolivia, where he now mentors young men discerning their 958 and has dedicated his life to mission work in the United States and Venezuela, helping establish human development projects across Latin America and the Caribbean. His presence fosters a deep connection between generations, blending faith, service, and formation. Through prayer, liturgy, and pastoral work, he nurtures the spiritual and social growth of new missionaries, ensuring that wisdom, compassion, and faith are passed on. His journey is a testament to the power of lifelong service and intergenerational accompaniment, reminding us that the mission of Christ is sustained by those willing to walk together in faith.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Then he 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. Luke 24:46-53

There is beauty in moments of transition—Jesus ascends to heaven, and disciples return to Jerusalem with great joy knowing that it will soon be their turn to carry on the mission. Their joy comes from the promise that Christ’s presence remains within them, and that they will be guided by the Holy Spirit through every moment of change.

This same joy of passing on the torch across generations continues today as the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly is celebrated in Rome from May 30 to June 1, 2025. Elders offer wisdom and testimony, while young people bring new energy and questions. As missionary disciples, we are called to accompany one another with Gospel joy through life’s transitions, recognizing that every generation has a vital role in the ongoing story of the mission of love.

How is the Spirit calling you to embrace the transitions happening in your life right now?

Engage in your own intergenerational encounter to discover God’s presence. This week, reach out to someone much older or younger than you and ask them to share their stories, and advice, on how they handled and coped with transitions in their life. Listen to their experiences, reflect on what resonates with you, and consider how their insights might guide your own journey.

As we go forth, may we embrace the wisdom of those before us and walk with hope for those who follow. Open our hearts to listen, learn, and accompany one another, recognizing that each person’s journey is sacred. Strengthen us to be your hands and feet, sharing peace, love, and justice in all we do. May we step forward with faith, trusting that your Spirit guides us now and always. Amen.