Scripture Readings 17th May 2015, Ascension, Year B
Luke begins Acts by repeating Jesus’ ascension, both to emphasise its importance and to link the coming work of the apostles with Jesus’ earthly ministry. Before Pentecost the disciples still do not understand, asking if the time has come for the kingdom of Israel to be restored. But Jesus’ restored kingdom will be the people of God: it is about mission, not knowledge. Jesus must return to the Father so that the Holy Spirit can come and give them power to be his witnesses “to the ends of the earth”. The two men from the Transfiguration and the empty tomb appear again promising Jesus will return. But we are not to know when.
Both alternative second readings are from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, which gives a broad, developed understanding of Jesus. So the “hymn in Ephesians” praises the glorified Christ, revealed by his resurrection and ascension, now ruling as universal king and head of the Church, his body. The alternative reading urges us to behave charitably, seeking unity in the one Lord, and using the share of grace we have each been given after Jesus’ ascension.
In the second ending of Mark’s gospel, before the Lord was taken up into heaven, the apostles are commissioned as his witnesses.
Psalm Response: God goes up with shouts of joy, the Lord goes up with trumpet blast.
(Acts 1: 1-11; Psalm 46(47); Eph 1:17-23 or Eph 4: 1-13; Mark 16: 15-20)
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.