Message from the Parish
31stMay/1st June 2025 ~ The Ascension of the Lord
The Ascended Jesus
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Some Catholics seem to think of Jesus’ Ascension, the Feast we celebrate this weekend, as though Jesus returns to God using some kind of heavenly elevator. But there is a richer theology that lies behind today’s Feast.
Ascension is the theological completion of Jesus’ resurrection. From Easter Sunday until now, Jesus frequently appeared to his disciples that he seemed different. His disciples, those that were with him during his earthly ministries, needed help to recognise Jesus resurrected and exalted status.
There came a moment historically when Jesus’ earthly appearance ceased. In today’s readings, Luke offers us two versions of this event. The Gospel reading has Jesus ascend on Easter Day. He calls them first to be his witnesses to forgiveness, and to await the coming of the Holy Spirit upon them. The Gospel concludes with Jesus blessing the disciples as he is “carried up” to heaven. This is not the divine escalator imagery, but a very specific theological insight. It underscores Jesus’ final communion with God. The language of Jesus being “carried up” implies that this is God’s act. Communion with God is ultimately God’s act. This will be the same for us, no matter how hard we try to manufacture it!
Luke offers a second story of the Ascension in the Book of Acts. It occurs forty days after Easter. The number 40 is deliberate: it is a reminder of Israel’s 40 years of preparation before they enter their promised land; it is Jesus’ time in the desert preparing for his public ministry. So, while Luke reflects on the preparation of Jesus’ movement to embrace the world, Jesus is with them for 40 days and then ascends to communion with God. The angelic announcers remind the disciples as they watch Jesus leave to get on with their mission. Not to just stand around looking!
This is the message to our parish: We are called to continue the mission of the Risen and now Ascended Jesus: to forgive, offer repentance, and get on the with mission of reaching out to all in our streets and parish as we proclaim a message of Peace.
The Ascension of Jesus today invites us into a mission, confirmed next week at Pentecost.
Your brother,
Michael