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ASCENSION DAY
Introduction
The Ascension of Jesus took place in the presence of His disciples 40 days after the
Resurrection. It is traditionally thought to have occurred on Mount Olivet in Bethany.
According to the gospel writers Jesus was lifted up disappearing into the sky before their
eyes.
Ascension, according to the biblical witness, does not only refer to the
literal "being lifted upwards" but also to a theological reality of Christ's new
status of exaltation. Exaltation describes Christ's return to the throne of God -
thus constituting a spiritual exaltation. Paul in Eph. 1:20-21 points out that following
the resurrection our Lord was elevated above all possible rivals: "far above all rule
and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the
present age but also in the one to come."
Overview over the texts:
By Rev. Thomas Hall
Ascension Sunday provides us with the three passages below for each of the three years
in the lectionary cycle. We don’t, however, need to feel any compulsion to look for
new angles or exotic interpretations-we just to faithfully proclaim Christ’s absence
and presence among us. Both are true.
Acts 1:1-11-Up, Up and Away
This passage provides a transition in the drama of Jesus: it closes his earthly
mission and opens up a new mission for the disciples which is just about to begin. One
mission is concluded and another at the starting line. The passage further answers the
question that early Christians must have voiced: "If Jesus has been raised from
death, then where is he?" Luke supplies part of the answer, an answer that the Church
proclaims in the Eucharistic celebration: Christ has died; Christ is risen-(and with this
lesson we can add), "Christ will come again." With the ascension, Christ leaves
the disciples to rejoin the mysterious Godhead but with the promise that he "will
come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."
Ephesians 1:15-23-Raised / Seated / Far Above / For All Time
This is one of the most beautiful intercessory prayers in the Bible. The impetus
for this prayer is thanksgiving; Paul thanks God for the Ephesus congregation that had
excelled in pastoral care-giving ("I have heard of your . . . and love toward all the
saints"). Thanksgiving soon gives way to intercession as the pray-er entreats God to
grant this congregation wisdom and illumination in order to know Christ, the Christ-life,
the wealth of the Christian community, and the power of God. At this point the prayer
becomes a teaching moment that explores the boundaries of the power of God as evidenced in
the resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ, "above every name that is named . .
."
Luke 24:44-53-Not Really Left Behind
This lesson will best be understood when connected to the first lesson (Acts 1); here
Luke closes his gospel account of Jesus with the ascension of Jesus (Luke 24), and he
begins his second book to "Theophilus" with a review of the ascension scene
(Acts 1). Behind both accounts is the subtle interplay between presence and absence. No
overt protestations on the part of the disciples, but nonetheless, a definite sense of
imminent absence and loss. Yet in both cases presence is also promised: "wait . . .
for the promise of the Father" (Acts 1) and "see, I am sending upon you what my
Father promised;" (Luke 24).
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