Readings: Acts 1:1-11, Ps. 47:2-3,6-9, Ephesians 1:17-23 or Hebrews 9:24-28, 10:19-23, Luke 24:46-53
“Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven.” (Luke 24:50-51)
Today marks forty days since the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. During this period, Jesus frequently appeared to the disciples to strengthen their faith and assure them of the truth that He is the Messiah. He told them so many things, and since there was much more they needed to know, He assured them of the Holy Spirit, who would come to teach them everything.
Until this time, the disciples were still expecting Jesus to take over power from the Roman authorities. They still didn’t understand that Jesus had not come to be a Political Messiah. The disciples asked him: “Will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)
Jesus must have laughed at them for not having their priorities right. So, he responded: “It is not for you to know the times or seasons... But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be my witnesses.” (Acts 1:7-8) In other words, receiving the power of the Holy Spirit and becoming witnesses for Jesus is far more precious than overthrowing the Romans or holding seats in government.
This is the point St. Paul harps upon in the second reading. He prays that we have the spirit of Wisdom so that our eyes would be open to realising the great hope we now have, courtesy of Jesus’ Ascension into heaven. By his Ascension, Christ has united our human nature with God, thereby making it possible for the human species to be united with God. St. Paul refers to this as a glorious inheritance, immeasurable greatness.
By leading them up to Bethany as the Gospel of Luke presents, Jesus wanted the disciples to remember his friend Lazarus; to know that he has truly conquered the power of death.
Jesus then lifted his hands to bless the disciples, and as he blessed them, he was carried into heaven before their very eyes. Does it mean that Jesus is no longer with us? Of course, no. By going up to heaven, Jesus did not create a distance between himself and humanity; rather, his Ascension confirms the truth that we all have a final destination that is not here on earth. Jesus is still with us. Jesus is always with us.
We must never forget Jesus’ last words in the Gospel of Matthew: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising 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 lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Today should be a day of joy for us, a day to celebrate the ultimate triumph of life over death, a day to reaffirm our firm assurance that heaven exists, that just as Christ ascended to heaven, we too shall one day depart this earth and be united with God in heaven. Luke concludes by saying: “The disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were continually in the temple blessing God.” The disciples entered a mood of prayer in preparation for the descent of the Holy Spirit. This is precisely what we must now do as we await the Comforter, the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost from heaven.
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, may our celebration of your Ascension rekindle our prayer life that we may be adequately prepared to receive the Holy Spirit. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (The Ascension of the Lord, Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Acts 1:1-11, Ps. 47:2-3,6-9, Ephesians 1:17-23 or Hebrews 9:24-28, 10:19-23, Luke 24:46-53).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu