Ascention Sunday May 24, 2009

Date: May 24, 2009, Ascension / 7th Sunday of Easter
Readings: Acts 1: 1-11 Psalm 47:2-3,6-9 Ephesians 1: 17-23 John 24:46-53
Acts 7: 55-60 Psalm 97:1-2,6-7,9 Rev. 22:12-14,16-17,20 John 17-:20-26

This year, our Diocese moved the feast of the Ascension to Sunday after years of celebrating the feast of the Thursday 40 days after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
So we have several readings to choose from and ponder their meaning in our lives.
Acts1 is the beginning of the second volume of Luke's reflections on the life of Jesus and His disciples. The disciples were still in shock at this juncture. They were still filled with the notion Jesus would establish an earthly kingdom and they would be the rulers. His answer was as emphatic as He could be without being rude. "Sorry, boys, the power you'll receive from the Holy Spirit, will not be Earthly but Heavenly". He was then taken from them in a cloud, signifying His Divinity. The message of the Angels was He would return to them in much the same way one day.
Acts 7 is essentially about Steven, one of the seven Hellenistic Deacons selected to help the apostle spread the word. He was so forceful in his zeal for souls, he also stepped over the bounds of propriety when he claimed seeing Christ at the Father's right hand in heaven. Steven also used similar words as he fell, dying, from the blows of the stoning he bore for Christ's sake.
The message is, "Don't expect a ring of protection to be put around you if you take on the world and proclaim what they refuse to see. You may suffer, even die, here on Earth. But, your heavenly abode cannot be taken away.
Both Psalm 47 and 97 proclaim God as King and ruler over all the gods of the earth. He is symbolized in the cloud cover and He sits upon His throne to judge the people with equity.
The readings from Ephesians point out our destiny. We are His Body, the Church. Therefore, we cannot have factions taking their lead from unrevealed experience. He has appointed us to various roles in our society. Consequently, we must develop the gifts to better serve our fellow Christians and, thereby, tie the binds securely.
The ending of the Book of Revelation enjoins us to call upon the Lord, to have confidence in His Word. He wants all to be saved. Call to Him, "Come Lord Jesus, Come!"
The call for unity in John should be the hallmark of all our ecumenical efforts. Not because we are right and they are wrong but to lovingly invite them to share the wondrous gift of the Eucharist by which all may be one in Christ Jesus our Lord.