The Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord | Thursday 9 May 2024

Today is Thursday 9 May, the feast of the Ascension of Our Lord, in the 6th week of Eastertide.

The monks of Glenstal Abbey sing Viri Galilei, the Antiphon for the Feast of the Ascension. “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? The Lord will return, just as you have seen him ascend. Alleluia.”

Viri Galilaei, quid statis aspicientes in coelum?
Hic Jesus, qui assumptus est a vobis in coelum,
sic veniet, quemadmodum vidistis eum euntem in coelum. Alleluja.
Ascendit Deus in jubilatione, et Dominus in voce tubae. Alleluja.
Dominus in coelo paravit sedem suam. Alleluja.
Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to heaven?
This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven,
shall so come as you have seen him going into heaven.
God is ascended with jubilee, and the Lord with the sound of trumpet. Alleluia.
The Lord hath prepared his throne in heaven. Alleluia.




Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.

Mark 16:15-20

And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.’

So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.

Today is the feast of the Ascension of the Lord. In this account from Mark’s gospel, we receive the Great Commission, where Jesus gives his instruction to go into the world and preach the gospel. This scene is key to the heart of our faith, and we may be encouraged to use our imagination to place ourselves alongside his disciples.

Imagine yourself as one of the disciples gathered around Jesus. The past weeks have been a whirlwind of tragedy and celebration. Perhaps the events of Easter have invigorated your faith? Have the last weeks of being with the Lord strengthened and prepared you for Mission? Are you ready for the next step?

‘They will drive out demons, speak in new tongues, pick up snakes, and lay hands on the sick who will recover.’

The language may seem archaic now, but imagine the assurance and trust offered by Jesus. Reflect on times when the Holy Spirit has empowered you for ministry. How might you call on the Spirit's guidance in your life?

Pay attention to Jesus' words: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." What does this mean to you personally?

How might Jesus be calling you to share the good news in your own life?

In Mark’s gospel, the Ascension is almost matter-of-fact, Jesus seems to take only a step away to be at his Father’s side. See the other disciples' response to Jesus' command. No mention of doubt or fear, they embark on their mission, trusting in Jesus' promise to be with them always.

Does this response seem to echo your own call to ministry?

Reflect on times when you have felt hesitant or afraid to share your faith.

How might you cultivate the courage and trust to step out knowing that Jesus is with you every step of the way?

As you listen again to the passage, imagine yourself, with these co-workers, actively engaging in the work of proclaiming the gospel. Consider how you can bear witness to the power of Christ in the world around you.

‘They went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them.’

Take a moment to rest in the company of the Lord, assured by his presence and guidance.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.