The Ascension of the Lord

Acts 1: 1-11

This book is addressed to Theophilis, which could mean two different things – a specific person or anyone who reads the Acts.  Theophilis means “beloved of God” in Greek.  Any beloved person could be reading the book.  If a beloved person reads this book, he or she will find out what the Loving Father has in store for the world after Jesus ascends to the heaven. 

This reading points out that Jesus does not leave us alone after the Resurrection.  Jesus appears to many people and speaks with them about the Kingdom of God and tells them about the coming of the Holy Spirit.  The end of the reading is interesting too.  After jesus ascends, two men stand at the side of the apostles and ask them, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?”  This reminds me of the angel at the resurrection who asks the apostles, “Why do you look for Jesus among the dead?”   The question seems to say, “Don’t just stand here.  Get going.  You have work to do.”

Ephesians 1:17-23

This reading invites us to reflect on the works done for us by Christ.  It goes on to say that for these great works, Jesus was rewarded with a seat “above every principality, authority, power and dominion.”  Jesus has power over all.  We ask Jesus to give us power over the things that happen in our lives.  Many times we can be overwhelmed by life’s events.  Jesus is all-powerful.  May he bless us with the ability to endure our trials and have hope that all will be well.

Mark 16:15-20

The disciples have an amazing responsibility.  “Go… and preach the Gospel to every creature.”  Jesus does not give them a quota of people to convert.  Nor does he say they will be graded on the effectiveness of their work.  The only thing he requires is that they do the preaching.  The Spirit will do the rest.  It is truly impossible to measure their effectiveness.  All Jesus requires is faithfulness to the task. 

Signs will accompany their ministry:  They will drive out demons, meaning evil will be vanquished by their presence in the world.  They will speak new languages, meaning that they will encounter a universal and diverse church.  Their preaching will have to change so that each culture they encounter can be touched by God’s word.  God’s word is not presented in only one language.  They “will pick up serpents…and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them.”   They have no need to fear the things of this world, no matter how powerful they seem to be.  Even if they kill the body, God will deliver them.  These words are an invitation to complete hope and trust in God.

I invite your comments.