Easter 7A

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Sunday, June 1, 2014

Ascensione di Cristo (The Ascension of Christ), by Dosso Dossi, 16th century, Padua, Italy.

Ascensione di Cristo (The Ascension of Christ), by Dosso Dossi, 16th century, Padua, Italy.

First Reading: Acts 1:6-14

Our Sunday readings through Eastertide have taken us from the empty tomb of Easter morning through mysterious appearances of the risen Christ; then we sat in on Jesus’ final talk with the apostles in John’s story of the Last Supper. Now we come to Jesus’ ascension into heaven, an event recounted only by Luke, in his Gospel and in Acts. Jesus promises the apostles that God’s Holy Spirit will empower them to take the Gospel to all the world. Next week we’ll hear the rest of that story when the Spirit comes in wind and fire on the first Pentecost.

Psalm: Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36

The Psalm begins with troubling warlike images of fleeing enemies dying amid fire and smoke before a powerful God who rides the clouds. But soon it turns to a kinder, gentler narrative: Those who live righteously – who do right by following God’s command to protect the orphan and the widow, to care for the homeless and the imprisoned – will receive God’s favor and blessing.

Second Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11

The way of Jesus isn’t always an easy road. At the time of the first letter written in Peter’s name to Gentile Christian communities in Asia Minor (modern Turkey), the people are suffering the “fiery ordeal” of persecution for their faith. The writer can’t stop their suffering, but offers reassurance that in this suffering they share the suffering of Christ and of their Christian brothers and sisters. Resisting evil is hard, but God is with us and gives us the support and strength that we need to endure.

Gospel: John 17:1-11

John’s account of Jesus’ farewell conversation at the Last Supper now approaches its conclusion. In the preceding verses Jesus promised the disciples, “Ask and you will receive,” and warned them that he must soon leave this world and return to the father. Now Jesus turns from his friends at the table and addresses God directly in prayer. He declares that the hour of his death has come. He prays for the disciples, praising them for their faith and trust, and asking God to protect them, to keep them united with each other and with God, and to give them the eternal life that comes through relationship with God in Jesus’ name.

Ascension Sunday

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Sunday, May 12, 2013.

The Ascension of our Lord, Albrecht Durer.

The Ascension of our Lord, Albrecht Durer.

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11
In these opening verses of the Acts of the Apostles, the author tells us that this is his second book, following after his first volume, the Gospel of Luke. Reflecting on the many appearances of Christ to his apostles between his resurrection and ascension into heaven 40 days later, Luke tells us that Jesus assured the disciples that God’s power would continue in them through baptism in the Holy Spirit, a mysterious idea that will become clear a few days later on the first Pentecost.

Psalm: Psalm 47
Another psalm of praise and joy, these verses celebrate God’s royal reign as mighty king. This image may seem strange to us as modern Americans, who gave up kings and royals centuries ago. We may smile at Britain’s royals and enjoy the pageantry of the wedding of William and Kate, but kings aren’t for us, we think. Still, the idea of an almighty ruler watching over us with love and justice can be reassuring in troubled times.

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23
The idea of kingship comes up again in Paul’s letter to the people of Ephesus in ancient Anatolia (now Turkey), but here the ruling power is vested in the resurrected Christ, who sits at God’s right hand, far above all earthly rule, authority, power and dominion. Christ is the head of all things for the church; we are the body of Christ on earth. This awesome charge offers us the spirit of wisdom and revelation through Christ, and calls us to live as Jesus would have us live, working to bring in God’s kingdom on earth.

Gospel: Luke 24:44-53
Today’s readings began with the opening page of Acts, and they conclude with this Gospel, the final page of Luke. Try this: Read this Gospel, then go back and re-read the first lesson, and see how Luke’s words flow through. In the Gospel, Luke tells us of Jesus declaring that he is the Messiah foretold by the prophets, and that humanity’s sins will be forgiven though his resurrection. Acts opens the next chapter, empowering God’s people through the Holy Spirit to bring this good news to the world.