Today (June 2) is Ascension Day on the church calendar, the 40th day of the Easter season when we celebrate the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. When we use the word, "ascension" we're not using it in a literal sense of Jesus being lifted into the sky. We're using it in a theological sense of Jesus ascending to his throne in heaven.
Here are the reasons why it is important for us to celebrate Ascension Day and the good news that Jesus has ascended:
- Jesus' ascension means that he is exercising his kingly reign over all creation. The powers that be may not realize or acknowledge Jesus' kingship, but the church affirms this to be true.
- Even though Jesus has ascended to his throne and promises to reappear at some point in the future, he is still active by empowering the church through the Holy Spirit to bring transformation to our community and world. As subjects of the true king, we are called to bear witness to this good news and live out God's kingdom here on earth. The mistaken notion that religion is a private matter that shouldn't intersect with matters of politics, economics, education, etc., does not take seriously the ascension and the kingship of Jesus Christ over all of creation.
- A day will come when Jesus our king will reappear and by a special act of God's grace will renew all of creation. The dead will be raised and the world will be transformed. As our liturgical prayer says, "Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again."
Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen..
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