Walking with Jesus: Ascension of the Lord C

For Sunday, June 1, 2025

Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:17-23, Luke 24:46-53


We are so familiar with Scripture — we have favorite passages that have attracted us to Jesus, the Father, the Holy Spirit, Mary and the Apostles. We are familiar with books, media, the Chosen and others that have made Jesus alive within us. As we reflect, we see how the Lord has ”gotten under our skin” — He is a part of each of our lives and we are grateful. As we look back today, we can identify what the apostles have experienced. For a few moments in their lives everything has changed. They have developed a friendship with Jesus over the last few years. They have come to admire Him. They have come to trust and respect Him. They pay attention to everything He says. They are awed by His miracles, and the people are attracted to Him. They have come to rely on Him for help and certainly turn to Him for advice. They believe what He says, even when they’re confused and struggling to grasp what it all means. I’m sure Jesus is the most special human being they have ever known, and there is something deeper and captivating: Here is someone very close to God ... the hoped-for Messiah … God Himself. Could they be saying this to each another?

Jesus’ followers are witnesses to His Resurrection appearances. They have received the Holy Spirit and are still trying to figure that out. They know they are different and are called — commissioned — invited — to be special people; to be God’s lovers to their own world. They have gone out two-by-two and taught people about Jesus and His miracles, and they have touched people with all sorts of diseases, sicknesses, maladies, and life and relationship problems, and all have been cured — and this both amazes and frightens them. Now they watch Jesus rise up into the sky, out of sight, and He is gone. They have hoped He will stay around; some might even plead with Him to do so. They still need Him. But He’s gone.

“WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?” they think and share. We ask the same: Jesus has called us as His followers of love — when it’s easy, when it's not so easy, and when it's downright horrible.

Luke introduces Theophilus, whose name means “lover of God,” and summarizes Jesus’ resurrection appearances. Who is this Theophilus? It seems that he could have sponsored and funded Luke’s two books — his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. Before Jesus’ ascension, He instructs His followers on the kingdom of God and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is informing them of what they are to do: be His witnesses these events. The Acts of the Apostles tells that story.

Addressed to the Ephesians, Paul’s letter is filled with insight and understanding into the mysteries of God. He addresses the enlightenment of the inner eyes, confirming that the hope of the calling they and we have received is from God and that the riches of the glory and gifts they and we have received are from God, and emphasizes the remarkable greatness of God’s power on those who believe. It is God’s power that has raised Jesus from the dead, seated Him in the place of honor in heaven, and made all things subject to Christ and made Christ head of the Church. Now they and we are calling upon God’s help — the Spirit alive in our hearts and our lives.

Luke depicts Jesus delivering one last instruction to His disciples before He ascends into heaven. His life, along with His resurrection and death, has been foretold. Luke joins it all together, affirming that this is all part of God’s plan which establishes a salvation history for all believers. The disciples have been eyewitnesses to these events, and now they are to be witnesses testifying to the authenticity of their religious significance. They are to proclaim to all nations that Jesus died and rose and that He preached repentance and forgiveness of sins. This is God’s plan of salvation. The actual account of the Ascension is very brief — there are no last words. There are angelic companions. Jesus tells them to wait in Jerusalem and to participate in religious practices. They have received the promise of God. They are to be sent. We too have been chosen, blessed, and sent to pass on God’s love. Do I realize this? Where do I need God’s help? Am I afraid? Why? If I am chosen, He fills me with all I need. Ask!

So I reflect on:

• This is such a wonderful scene to reflect on: What am I thinking and feeling as Jesus rises? What do I say to those standing near me? What do I wish I had asked Jesus?
• What does my imagination picture as I watch Jesus’ ascent? Where has the Risen Lord been most visible and tangible in my life?

Sacred Space 2025 states:

“St. Augustine reminds us that Jesus came to earth without leaving heaven and He returned to heaven without leaving our earth. As God, Jesus was always in heaven, but truly walked this earth, like us in all things but sin.

“After Jesus was taken up into heaven the disciples who saw this were filled with joy. In a new way, throughout all that Jesus achieved, heaven has become joined to earth and His presence remains the source of joy and consolation.”