Feast of the Ascension ~ Service of the Word

Welcome to our Worship for the Feast of the Ascension, May 16, 2021.

ALL ARE WELCOME HERE!

The Readings:

Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53

All these scripture passages, in one way or another, relate to ascension or heavenly exaltation. The first story from the Acts of the Apostles is Luke’s account of the Lord’s ascension; it’s the story about the spiritual significance of Christ’s departure. In Psalm 47, an enthronement psalm, reference is also made to God’s ascension and exaltation, which makes it a natural psalm to hear on the day when the Church celebrates the Ascension of the Lord. The magisterial tone in the Letter to the Ephesians underscores Christ’s ascension from a different perspective, with repeated emphasis on his exaltation “in heavenly places”. The Gospel story is heard at the end of Luke’s Gospel and includes a cryptic reference to Christ’s ascension.

Question for Reflection:

The Ascension of Christ to be seated at the right hand of God marks forty days of celebrating Easter and God’s triumph over the powers of oppression, depression, and our fear of death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Ascension of the Lord is one of the many images we have for Christ; others include, good shepherd, suffering servant, and great physician. How does the image of the ascended Christ affect your understanding of who he is? What are the strengths and weaknesses in this image of Christ for you?

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