I like the Internet – it saves me many trips to our local library! According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica: “Ascension, in Christian belief, the ascent of Jesus Christ into heaven on the 40th day after his Resurrection (Easter being reckoned as the first day). The Feast of the Ascension ranks with Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost in the universality of its observance among Christians.”
And according to theweek.co.uk: “For 40 days after his resurrection on Easter Sunday, the Bible says that Jesus travelled and preached with his apostles, preparing them for his departure from Earth. Ascension Day marks the moment Jesus literally ascended into heaven before his disciples, at the village of Bethany, near Jerusalem.”
I needed to look up facts about Ascension Day, celebrated this year on May 26th because I cannot remember ever attending a Ascension Thursday Service. I have vague recollections of some children going missing, with permission, when I was at primary school. Do any churches that are neither Roman Catholic nor High Anglican currently celebrate Ascension Day?
So, what should we think about on ‘topical Thursday’? Perhaps we need to ask ourselves: if Ascension Day has vanished from many congregations’ schedule of services, what might be lost next? When Pentecost mysteriously replaced Whitsun, did the change of name affect the public’s awareness of this event? Harvest festival is probably better attended in rural communities than towns. Christmas services attract fringe people and outsiders but probably not the service actually on the 25th. And Easter, in my limited experience, is no longer a better-attended service than any other spring Sunday. I think the ecclesiastical calendar impinges on most people’s consciousness less than when the new series of The Great British Bake Off starts.
As churches who are not tethered to the Lectionary, do we fare any better than those whose altar cloths are distinct colours at different seasons?
“What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.” He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, made his exit, being carried up to heaven. (Luke 24:49-51 The Message)
A topical, even perennial, thought is: how do we explain the importance of the Holy Spirit, or God the Father or Jesus our Saviour, in an increasingly secular world? Answers on a postcard please!
Father God, you sent Jesus to walk among us and spread the Good News that we can all call you Father and have a relationship with you.
Jesus, you took our sins to the cross, so that our way to be reunited with our loving Heavenly Father is open to all.
Holy Spirit, work in and through us so that the most essential message of love and hope in the Gospel is spread where it is needed. Amen.
Elaine Kinchin