Ascension Sunday

Jean and Alexander Heard Art in the Christian Tradition
Vanderbilt Divinity Library

Ascension Sunday celebrates an event that was likely met with renewed sadness on the part of the disciples of Jesus, who, having seen and lived with him for forty days must now again see Jesus depart.    They remain gazing into heaven perhaps with a feeling of "what are we suppose to do next?", but they are jolted by two messengers with a reminder, "why do you stand looking up to heaven?"  They were reminded of the message that Jesus had given to them, that they were to be witnesses of the Risen Christ not just to Israel, but to the world.  The hopes of the kingdom of God cannot be locked into any one nation with its political ambitions, the message of the kingdom of God transcends national identities with a message of the love, grace and peace of God.  Jesus now reigns as Lord, not just of the church, but Lord of the world and intercedes on behalf of the world and calls his disciples to participate in the mission, yet it does not depend on us, it is not dependent on our help and cooperation, nor identified with our efforts and achievements.  Rather they go and wait for the Spirit, remaining only in prayer and community.