[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Acts 18:1-8

“Greet Prisca and Aquila.” (Romans 16:3)

With all of its sermons, conver­sions, miracles, and travels, the Book of Acts gives us a bird’s eye view of the early church. It doesn’t give us the full stories of all the heroes and heroines of that first generation of Christians. To paraphrase what John said about his Gospel, “there wouldn’t be enough books in the entire world” to write down all those stories (John 21:25)!

Think, for example, about Barnabas. He was instrumental in starting Paul on his apostolic career, introducing him to the Apostles and journeying with him for a time (Acts 9:27; 13:1-3). But we don’t hear much more about him after that point.

Think, too, about Priscilla and Aquila. We meet them in today’s reading, recently arrived in Corinth after being ordered out of Italy by the emperor Claudius. They welcomed Paul into their home and worked beside him during his stay. Later on, they meet Apollos, realize he is not teaching the full Gospel, and invite him into their home to train him more fully. Later in the New Testament, we learn that they trav­eled with Paul, and on at least one occasion risked their lives for him (Romans 16:3-4). They were a gener­ous couple, opening their home to church services and constantly nur­turing new believers in the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:19).

Finally, think of the many people whose names are listed at the end of many of Paul’s letters—people like Epaenetus, Mary, Andronicus, Junias, Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys, Apelles, Aristobulus, Herodion, and Narcissus (Romans 16:3-11).

So many names—so many peo­ple—so many stories! And each one of them was essential to the growth and success of God’s work. And so are we! There is no such thing as nonessential support staff in the kingdom of God. There are no second-tier builders of the church—at least not in God’s eyes. He has a perfect plan for each of us. We will make a difference in the world as we embrace the calling God has for us. Regardless of whether or not we are in the spotlight, our faith­fulness is crucial. The kingdom of God depends on it!

“Holy Spirit, thank you for all the heroes of the faith! And thank you for calling me to be a hero, too. Help me to follow your lead.”

Psalm 98:1-4; John 16:16-20

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

(A biblical refection on the SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION, THURSDAY, 17 May 2012) 

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11 

Psalms: Ps 47:2-3,6-9; Second Reading: Eph 1:17-23; Gospel Reading: Mk 16:15-20 

The Scripture Text

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up, after He had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen. To them He presented Himself alive after His passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the Kingdom of God. And while staying with them He charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, “you heard from Me, for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.” And when He had said this, as they were looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as He went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:1-11 RSV) 

A key description of today’s liturgy is found in the reading from the “Acts of the Apostles”: “He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9). Seven weeks previously, Jesus had died and was buried. Easter saw Him raised from the grave, and today He ascends from the earth to the right hand of the Father.

The venerated spot where this spectacular even took place is on top of a mountain populated by many ancient olive trees. It is aptly named the Mount of Olives. This lofty area which offers a magnificent view overlooking the city of Jerusalem, was frequented by Jesus as a place of prayer. It was here that He had taught the apostles to pray the Our Father. His terrible agony in the garden occurred nearby – in Gethsemaneat the base of the mountain.

Today a small chapel stand on top of the Mount of Olives with a single narrow door which causes most people to bow then entering. The roof is a large white dome that immediately pulls one’s attention toward the heavens. An indented footprint in solid rock is clearly evident, which tradition says is the exact spot where Jesus stood before ascending back to His Father. Two footprints were present formerly, but one was removed to be relocated in another sacred shrine.

The Mount of Olives is a sacred place of lingering glory, for the Ascension is Jesus’ victory celebration over sin and death. It is another convincing proof of the legitimacy of His title, “Lord.” Ascension day commemorates a victory for Jesus and a promise for us that we too can eventually triumph over all that binds us to earth.

It is significant how the Bible describes Jesus in the presence of the apostles, just before the Ascension. He gave His everlasting blessing and reminded them that His farewell gift was a message of peace. Jesus also encouraged them to have enduring faith, to spread His sacred Kingdom and told them to let their lives be ruled by the Holy Spirit, Whom He promised soon to send.

Today may be called a farewell to His terrestrial friends and His way of life on this earth. Although good-byes are normally difficult to face, this one was certainly lightened by their collective hope of a future reunion with the Lord in His eternal Kingdom. In the meantime they would keep in touch through faith and prayer.

We too believe that the ascended Lord still continues to keep in touch with us as we meditate on His precious words in scripture, receive His life-renewing sacraments and try to discern His will in our daily lives. We can especially find Him in our sisters and brothers. In loving and serving them we are doing the same for Him, just as truly as if He were visibly present to us.

Short Prayer: Heavenly Father, make us joyful in the ascension of Your Son Jesus Christ. May we follow Him into the new creation, for His ascension is our glory and our hope. We pray this in the most precious name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.