On the Back Porch
Reading, pondering and studying God’s Word is sometimes best done “on the back porch.” Each week we will try to offer something for you and your “back porch time.”
The Ascension of Jesus
Witnesses to the ends of the Earth
In Liturgical Year C, the celebration of the Ascension offers an interesting combination of readings – each by the same author, St. Luke. The first reading for Sunday is taken from the first chapter of Acts of the Apostles. The gospel reading is taken from Luke 24.
The Lucan gospel account almost mentions the Ascension as “by the way.” The focus and intent of the gospel narrative serves as a commissioning. After several appearances to the disciples on Easter and the days following, now Jesus takes his final leave: You are witnesses of these things. They are to wait in Jerusalem until the coming of the Holy Spirit, but then they will be off to the ends of the earth. The basic elements of the pericope are the same, but in Acts the theme of the Kingdom plays a more prominent part. Here also the commission is specific: you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Their commission is global.
There is a lot to unpack in these verses, so grab your favorite beverage and take some time on the back porch.
Detailed Commentary of the Gospel
Detailed Commentary on Acts
detail of “Ascension of Jesus” | John Singleton Copely, 1775 | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston | PD-US