Scripture: Luke 24:50-53
Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, where he lifted his hands and blessed them. As he blessed them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. They worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem overwhelmed with joy. And they were continuously in the temple praising God.
Thought for the Day: I recently made a casual reference about Ascension Day, and I got some blank looks. Ascension Day (or Ascension Sunday) is the day the church celebrates the Ascension of Jesus 40 days after his resurrection. According to Augustin, one of the early church leaders, the celebrating of Ascension started back at the end of the first century. Whether that’s true or not, I cannot say definitively, but we know it was practiced during the fourth century — becoming a Feast Day for Christians. The Church Year, from Advent to Christmas, from Lent to Holy Week to Easter, from Ascension to Pentecost, is all very important in understanding and teaching the story of Jesus. This was especially true in a time when literacy rates were so low, but even today, Biblical literacy even among Christians is quite low. The practice of celebrating Christian holidays, especially those beyond Christmas and Easter, helps teach who we are and who we follow. I hope to see you Sunday as we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus (along with Mother’s Day).
Prayer: May the life of Jesus continue to come alive for me, O Gracious God, as I follow his life through the Christian year. Amen.
