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The Gospel version of Jesus’ ascension evokes the past. We hear Jesus explain how it was prophesied that he would suffer. In Acts, his words point to the future–to the commissioning of his apostles as witnesses through the power of the Holy Spirit they will soon receive.
Today we hear Luke’s two versions of the Ascension of Jesus, one from his Gospel, the other from his Acts of the Apostles. As you might expect, the two accounts have some differences. These differences remind us that these accounts are not strict history, but rather written to teach a spiritual point.
Jesus assured his followers that he will send “the Advocate, the Holy Spirit,” who will teach them and remind them of all Jesus told them. In effect, Jesus is promising that the Church can always rely on the Spirit to guide it in troubled times. The Spirit will help us discover the peace that Jesus gives.
The New Testament Book of Revelation is puzzling with its strange descriptions and symbolism. Many readers misunderstand its purpose and try to find involved, often convoluted references to specific events in our own time or the future. But much of Revelation refers to the time in which it was written.
Today when we hear the exciting adventures of Paul and Barnabas in the reading from the “Acts of the Apostles” we may wonder: How can we answer the call from Jesus to “go out and preach to all nations”? One way is to support missionaries we may know personally by our prayers and financial help.
Christians down through the ages have come to recognize the risen Christ in their midst as the Scriptures are proclaimed and the Eucharistic meal is shared. What we are celebrating in this Easter Season–the Paschal sacrifice of Christ, his dying and rising—is present to us in each Mass.
Today’s Easter story is specifically directed at us–those who would come to believe in Jesus down through the ages. We are part of a community of faith–a living legacy passed on from generation to generation, and often given at great cost, with personal sacrifice.
