Editor’s note: This is the first of many scheduled lectionary weekly living columns to be written by clergy in the Diocese of Central Florida. The first column is about the Feast of the Ascension.
The occasion on which the risen Christ is taken into heaven after appearing to his followers for forty days (Acts 1:1-11, Mk 16:19). The Ascension marks the conclusion of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances. It is the final elevation of his human nature to divine glory and the near presence of God. The Ascension is affirmed by the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds. The Ascension is celebrated on Ascension Day, the Thursday that is the fortieth day of the Easter season. It is a principal feast of the church year in the Episcopal Church. The Feast of the Ascension in 2018 falls on Thursday, May 10.
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/ascension-christ-or-ascension-day
In the Book of Acts, the apostles ask a question, which I guess we’ve all asked at some time, “Lord, at this time are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” And Jesus replies with ever-frustrating words, “It is not for you to know the times or dates …” So, we’re left to wait and watch. Or are we?
It is interesting that the Ascension is only mentioned in Luke/Acts. Theologian Osvaldo Vena shares, “The One in the gospel is placed at the end of Jesus’ ministry (Luke 24:44-53), and its purpose seems to be the vindication of his ministry. The one in Acts is placed at the beginning of the apostles’ ministry (Acts 1:6-11), and the purpose seems to be the authorization of their work of proclamation.”
This odd “in-between” time seems to mirror the challenge that we have in this life, both flesh and Spirit, both IN this world, but not OF this world. Those of us on this side of the Resurrection and with God’s Word in our hands know that Christ then says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses, in Jerusalem and all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth!” Yes, something to do while we wait and watch! We are to be His witnesses. To know His name, share His love, and to follow where His Spirit leads.
The Feast of the Ascension has great meaning for me as the rector of a parish with that name. I believe that each and every parish has been named for the reason that plays into their mission and vision. Every year we have an Ascension Day Eucharist and Picnic celebration. This one combined service brings us together as the family of Ascension. It gives us time to pause and remember who we are, as well as recall what we are called to do. It gives purpose to our waiting and context to our watching as we recall the commission of our Savior to go and be his witnesses to those who are close and to those who are far off.
I’m inclined to remind our parishioners that this waiting and watching is not “down” time, it is a temporal bridge connecting the time when Jesus left and when He will return. We are to wait and watch with a sense of urgency in anticipation of that return! We are also called to wait and watch in the midst of prayer and community. This is not a time for grief as our Lord moves to sit at the right hand of His Father, but rather a time to rejoice as Christ’s mission on earth has been accomplished! “Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple praising God” (Luke 24:52-53). May we do the same!
The Rev. Dr. James A. Sorvillo
Rector, The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Orlando