“Ascended” by Rev. Paul Berghout

 “Ascended” by Rev. Paul Berghout

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord 

Piety

[Y]ou will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8)

What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens that he might fill all things. (Eph 4:9-10)

He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.  These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name, they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages.  They will pick up serpents [with their hands], and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”  (Mk 16:15-18) 

Study

Our Second Reading in Ephesians chapter 1 says that Jesus is in heaven in his body “at His own right hand” - the place of infinite glory, power, and majesty. Something greater exists than your tendencies and struggles.

Verse 21: “far above all principalities” -- He is our higher power. 

Verse 22: “under His feet” -- His enemies, sin, death, the devil (Ps 8: 6; 1 Cor 15:27; He 2: 8)

Tap into that power in the moment, give God the temptation and the struggle by letting it go. 

Let it ascend -- “let go” and let that issue or thing ascend.  Put it under His feet.

What? - John 2:16 “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — comes not from the Father but from the world.” 

Jesus finished his work on earth.  Job Done!

“Why are you standing there looking at the sky?” (First Reading). 

As Saint Teresa of Avila said, Christ has no body but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours.

Christ ascended to the Right Hand of the Father. 

The essential foundation for ministry is your participation in the Father’s heart - in his delight. This participation gives you the ability to share the Father’s blessing to others by trusting in the Holy Spirit. Jesus constantly intercedes for us. We can ask the Father in His Name. He has access to the richness of the Father, who sends us the Holy Spirit.

Action

Christ’s bodily ascension is the model for our spiritual ascension. 

The Bible tells the stories of those transported to heaven like Elijah and Enoch from the spectators' perspective. We get no detailed eyewitness accounts about the journey.

You have to experience for yourself, in heart and mind to ascend, which means to dwell continually with Him (Jesus Christ) so we gain clarity. St. Paul says to set your mind to the things above. 

What can you turn over to God?  What can you let go of and place at the Lord’s feet this week?