The Season of Epiphany - Ascension of Our Lord
During the season of Easter lasting fifty days or seven weeks there is a not very well known minor festival that commemorates a significant event in the life of Jesus and the Church.
After his resurrection, for forty days the risen Jesus reveals himself to his followers. This year (2011), June 2nd is known as Ascension Day, forty days after Easter. It is the day that Jesus ascends to heaven to be glorified as the Son of God & thus returns to be with God, his Father. Ascension Day should be celebrated, however since it arrives annually on a Thursday it is rarely celebrated. Though some church congregations celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord on the following Sunday (Easter - 7). It is appropriate to celebrate this event in the life of Jesus for it is also important in the life of the Church in that it precedes the Day of Pentecost.
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
Mark 16:19
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Luke 24:50-53
Ascension Day is significant for many reasons as written in scripture. Jesus, by his ascension into heaven then becomes: the Great High Priest interceding for us, the Head of the Church to rule over us and to impart the Holy Spirit as Jesus within us to be his disciples. With the ascension of Jesus, his ministry on earth has ended, yet the ministry of his disciples continues. Thus WE, as His disciples, now do His work in His name in the mission field of service as Christians.
AMEN
Contributed by J. Scott Borthwick
