Bible Study: Acts 1, 1 to 11. Ephesians
1, 17 to 23 and Luke 24, 46 to 53.
Today makes it forty days since the resurrection of Jesus from
the dead. In the course of this period, Jesus was constantly appearing to the
disciples to strengthen their faith, to assure them of the truth that he is the
Messiah. He told them so many things but at a point he decided since he was not
going to be around much longer, he would send the Holy Spirit who will continue
the instructions to the disciples.
Up on till this time, the disciples were still expecting that
Jesus would take over power from the Roman authorities. They still didn’t understand
that Jesus had not come to be a political messiah and that he was interested
not so much in physical salvation (from hunger and oppression), but in the salvation
of their souls. The disciples asked him: “Will you at this time restore the
kingdom to Israel?”
Jesus must have probably laughed at them for not having their
priorities right. So he responded: “It is not for you to know the times or
seasons. But You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and
you shall be my witnesses.” In other words, receiving the power of the Holy
Spirit and becoming witnesses for Jesus is far more important and far more
precious than having to overthrow the Romans or taking seats in government.
This is the point St. Paul harps upon in the second reading. He
prays that we have the spirit of Wisdom so that our eyes would be open to realise
the great hope we now have courtesy of Jesus’ Ascension into heaven. By his
ascension to heaven in human flesh, Christ has united our human nature with God
thereby making it possible for the human species to be united with God. St.
Paul refers to this as a glorious inheritance, an immeasurable greatness.
By leading them up to Bethany as the Gospel of Luke presents,
Jesus wanted the disciples to remember his dear friend Lazarus, and for them to
know that he has truly conquered the power of death. Jesus then lifted up his
hands to bless the disciples and as he blessed them, he was carried into heaven
before their very eyes.
By going up to heaven, Jesus does not intend to create a
distance between himself and us, rather his ascension is meant to confirm in us
the truth that we all have a final destination that is not here on earth. His
ascension is a proof that heaven is real and no matter what we have to suffer
here on earth, we must be assured of a better place higher than where we are
right now. This is why we must strive to walk in a manner worthy of the calling
we have received so that at the end, we too may follow Christ up to heaven.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may the celebration of your Ascension
keep me focused on my ascension to heaven also when my life is over. Amen
God bless you. Good morning. Be
Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you.
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