Seventh Sunday of Easter (Ascension Sunday)
May 24, 2020
“Open the Eyes of My Heart”
Breaking Open the Word
This week we commemorate the moment when the disciples witnessed Jesus’ leaving this physical world. Here is the account of the Ascension in Luke’s gospel.
Jesus said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law from Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. He said to them, “This is what is written: the Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and a change of heart and life for the forgiveness of sins must be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. Look, I’m sending to you what my [Abba, God] promised, but you are to stay in the city until you have been furnished with heavenly power.”
He 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. - Luke 24: 44-53
The Ascension of Jesus took place in the presence of His disciples 40 days after the Resurrection. It is traditionally thought to have occurred on Mount Olivet in Bethany. According to the gospel writers, Jesus was lifted up disappearing into the sky before their eyes.
Jesus had spent some quality time with his disciples, helping them understand more about their faith and the continued mission that they would now carry on in the world. He wanted them to be reassured that he would always be with them.
He asked them to encourage people to open “the eyes of their hearts” and to believe in hope and life and love that was his message on earth. As we often do when we take our leave from someone we love, Jesus blessed his followers.
During our Easter season we have been on a journey with the disciples toward Pentecost. During this season we have been reflecting on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through our times of worship and our devotions, we have been encouraged to open our eyes, minds, and hearts in order to receive the Holy Spirit, our comforter, and our guide, just like Jesus did for his disciples.
May we be empowered to do the work of the Lord as we are reminded, that this promised gift of God’s presence will always be worth the wait.
May 24, 2020
“Open the Eyes of My Heart”
Breaking Open the Word
This week we commemorate the moment when the disciples witnessed Jesus’ leaving this physical world. Here is the account of the Ascension in Luke’s gospel.
Jesus said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law from Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. He said to them, “This is what is written: the Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and a change of heart and life for the forgiveness of sins must be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. Look, I’m sending to you what my [Abba, God] promised, but you are to stay in the city until you have been furnished with heavenly power.”
He 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. - Luke 24: 44-53
The Ascension of Jesus took place in the presence of His disciples 40 days after the Resurrection. It is traditionally thought to have occurred on Mount Olivet in Bethany. According to the gospel writers, Jesus was lifted up disappearing into the sky before their eyes.
Jesus had spent some quality time with his disciples, helping them understand more about their faith and the continued mission that they would now carry on in the world. He wanted them to be reassured that he would always be with them.
He asked them to encourage people to open “the eyes of their hearts” and to believe in hope and life and love that was his message on earth. As we often do when we take our leave from someone we love, Jesus blessed his followers.
During our Easter season we have been on a journey with the disciples toward Pentecost. During this season we have been reflecting on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through our times of worship and our devotions, we have been encouraged to open our eyes, minds, and hearts in order to receive the Holy Spirit, our comforter, and our guide, just like Jesus did for his disciples.
May we be empowered to do the work of the Lord as we are reminded, that this promised gift of God’s presence will always be worth the wait.