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reflections and guide

Solemnity of the Lord's Ascension

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First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Background/Context of the Reading

After his resurrection, having spent 40 days with his beloved disciples, Jesus ascends to His Father in heaven. Today we read about the intimate moment of separation between friends as Jesus bids his disciples farewell.>

St. Luke presents to Theophilus, who apparently is an important person, the testimonies of several apostles who have seen Jesus after his Resurrection from the Dead until he ascended to heaven right before their eyes.

St. Luke also illustrates the significance of the sacred number "40" as it relates to "purification" : 40 days and nights of the great flood during Noah's time, 40 years of exile in the desert for the Israelites, and the Lord's 40 days and nights again in the desert before he began his three-year public ministry and now, 40 days after his Resurrection, Jesus returns to heaven to prepare his apostles for the coming of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of their individual missions to proclaim the Good News.

Message/Meaning of the Reading

How to Proclaim

The disciples were still at a loss as to the meaning of all that has happened - they still expected the restoration of Israel. They had barely gotten over the shock of Jesus’ death and resurrection and now Jesus is leaving them again. But Jesus consoles them and leaves them with the gift of the Holy Spirit: a gift of understanding, a gift of power so that they can do what He did and even more, and a promise that He will not abandon them. The wonderful mystery of the Ascension is that Jesus had to ascend to heaven so that we can receive the Spirit. Jesus’ physical presence was replaced by a more intimate, more pure and more permanent presence.

Word Watch

Theophilus - thee-OF-uh-luhs

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Responsorial Psalm: GOD MOUNTS HIS THRONE AMID SHOUTS OF JOY, A BLARE OF TRUMPETS FOR THE LORD!

This enthronement psalm is a joyful hymn of praise as God mounts his throne after his ascension.

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Second Reading:Ephesians 1:17-23

Background/Context of the Reading

The letter of St Paul to the Ephesians was not merely addressed to the Christians of Ephesus but also to the other Christian communities of Hierapolis, Laodicea and Colossus and reveals God's plan for the world.

Message/Meaning of the Reading

Paul prays that we may be enlightened so that we can appreciate what God has done for us and live a life worthy of our calling. And just as we are called to continue Christ’s mission on earth, we are also called to share in the glory of Christ. Today we are hemmed in by suffering and disbelief. Our faith is challenged. But we cling to the hope, even as we are struggling, that there is only one ending to the story - that we will claim our inheritance as God’s children and be with Him forever!

How to Proclaim

Note the second sentence which contains 11 clauses separated by 13 commas. Read the passage slowly observing the pauses which will allow you to group the thoughts together. This letter was written to the area of Ephesus which was then experiencing "growing pains" as Jewish converts and Gentiles who chose to follow the apostles' teachings were given the chance to belong to Christ's fold. Let the spirit of awe and exultation fill your voice as they exhorted the converts with the great privilege and wealth that have been gifted with through their faith in Jesus Christ.

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Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

Background/Context of the Reading

A few verses before today’s reading, Jesus warned his listeners about false prophets who draw attention to themselves with their pious practices. The Great Commission, the Gospel reading for today, takes place on a mountain during Jesus’ final appearance. Matthew places this scene in Galilee while Luke in Acts relates that Jesus’ appearance was in Jerusalem. The emphasis should not be on where Jesus appeared but on what Jesus had to say before he ascended to Heaven.

Message/Meaning of the Reading

Jesus initially declares his authority from the Father. And then he gives his disciples his mission, as he passes his own authority to them.

The Ascension portrays a different kind of faith. This time, God entrusts man with the mission of working for the coming of God’s Kingdom. God knew that man, filled with His Spirit, will rise to the occasion and courageously carry out the commission.

Two thousand years after, we have the same duty to proclaim the Good News, in words and deeds. By the power of the Hoy Spirit, we are to continue the work of Jesus: teaching, healing, spreading love and forgiveness, promoting justice, and caring for the poor.

Reflections

As lectors, we have been given the unique privilege to literally proclaim God’s Word. Do we do it with love, reverence and joy?

What is Christ’s personal commission for you?

 

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