Eucharistic Readings for Ascension Day: All Years
Acts 1:1 to 11; Psalm 47; or Psalm 93; Ephesians 1:15 to 23; Luke 24:44 to 53:
“Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures,” (Luke 24: 45)
The Bible, and in particular, the Gospel accounts, should be studied within prayer and faithful, unassuming believers. I have learned from my time facilitating Bible Study, Sunday Christian Formation, Confirmation Classes, Group Spiritual Direction, Education for Ministry, the Brotherhood of St Andrew and Virginia Theological Seminary, that real learning is accomplished when we open with prayer, be honest about what we don’t know, and be willing to surrender to what the Spirit is saying to God’s people and the Churches. This is how our minds are opened still today. And, I think it is okay to let our minds be influenced by art and theater.
I have learned very little, if anything, from reading in solitude for knowledge only, save perhaps some meditational pondering of our Daily Office. I have gained some spiritual insight from listening to others preach. Thank You Jesus. But for the most part, it is when I am in the company of believers that my “mind is opened to more fully understand the scriptures.”
From the Acts of the Apostles we read, “When he [Jesus], had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven:” (Acts 1: 9 to 11). With this, I am reminded; Christ was born, Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ has ascended, and Christ will come again.
It is believed by most theologians the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles were written by the same person, Luke the Physician. Both works have our Lord Jesus ascending up into heaven. What if, and I’m just pondering here, Jesus just vanished before them? I am using contemporary theater here. In my imagination I go from Luke the Evangelist to George Lukas’ Yoda who just vanished before Luke his apprentice in “The Empire Strikes Back.” Either way, Jesus leads us back to His eternal home. Happy Ascension Day.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: Ascension Day (BCP p. 226)
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.
onewhoponders 