Ascension, Year A

(Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 46(47); Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20)
Luke’s Gospel opens in the Temple in Jerusalem with the angel appearing to Zechariah, and ends, after the ascension, with the disciples joyfully praising God in the Temple, still in Jerusalem. Acts starts with Jesus’ appearances over 40 days and his ascension, but finishes in Rome. This “double ascension” links Jesus’ ministry “to the lost sheep of Israel” with the apostles’ witness “to the ends of the earth”. Jesus’ restored kingdom will be his continued presence on earth in and through the witness of his people, the Church. Jesus promises he will return to the Mount of Olives, where the Jews expect all the nations to stream for the Lord’s return at the end of time.
The Psalm calls on all peoples to accept God as the true God and as universal king.
Paul opened his letter to the Ephesians by reminding them that God has made known to us the mystery of his plan “to unite all things in Jesus”. He then prays that they may know the hope – ie confidence – that this revelation gives us.
Matthew’s Gospel ends with Jesus commissioning the Apostles to “make disciples of all the nations”. Both Luke and Matthew, writing about 40 years after the Ascension, emphasise that Christians are to show their commitment by being baptised.
(Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 46(47); Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20)