Ascension Day, or the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, celebrates the bodily ascension of Jesus into Heaven. Ascension Day is traditionally celebrated on a Thursday, the 40th day of Easter. This timing is based on the account from Acts 1:1-11. Beginning in verse 3, the writer of Acts, Theophilus, writes that following “[Jesus’] suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” And continuing in verse 9, “When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.”
This celebration day is often overlooked in many churches, with some choosing to celebrate this day on the following Sunday, during worship. But today, is a special day in the death and resurrection of Jesus. In the readings assigned for this special day, the risen Christ ascends to heaven and his followers are assured that the Spirit will empower them to be witnesses throughout the world. The disciples are told to not gaze up into heaven to look for Jesus (Acts 1:11) as we will find his presence among us as we share the word and share the Easter feast.
The reading for today are Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1:15-23, and Luke 24:44-53.
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