Transformed Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Eph 1:17-23; Lk 24:46-53 “From this moment, in fact, the presence of Christ in the world is mediated by his disciples, by those who believe in him and announce him … [this mission will last] until the end of history and will enjoy every day the assistance of the risen Lord, who promised to be with his disciples ‘until the end of the age’” (Pope Francis, Feast of the Ascension, May 28, 2017). In his homily for the Feast of the Ascension in 2017, Pope Francis noted that Luke 24:46-53 marks the culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of the church’s mission. In these verses, the resurrected Jesus appears to his disciples and reassures them that everything that had happened was foretold in Scripture —Jesus’ suffering, resurrection and the proclamation of repentance for the forgiveness of sins had to be fulfilled. Jesus, then, is not starting a new story but completing one long foretold. The disciples are called to be witnesses to these things, but Jesus assures them that they will not be alone in this mission. He promises that they will receive “power from on high,” a foreshadowing of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which we will read about in the Acts of the Apostles. Thus, this passage is both a moment of fulfillment and a point of departure. What was foretold about the coming Messiah came to pass (fulfillment), but it was now time for the disciples to go out and carry on the work of bringing about God’s kingdom into the world (departure). This passage, which closes the Gospel of Luke, is a connection between the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, an imaginative retelling of the history of the early church, which is also believed to be the work of the same author as the Gospel of Luke. This is not an uncommon strategy for biblical authors. Genesis introduces us to Abraham and God’s promise of descendants, land and blessings. But that story ends in the Book of Deuteronomy, with the people of Israel standing outside the Promised Land. God had brought them to the land (fulfillment), but the people had to do the work to create a society on land (departure). We see a similar technique at the end of Kings and Chronicles. God will bring us to a point, but we must do our part as cocreators, trusting that God will still be with us as we continue the work we have been called to do. Luke’s story of Jesus’ ascension might be surprising for readers. We might expect to hear an awesome story filled with wonder, like we see with Jesus’ baptism and the transfiguration. Instead, Jesus simply blesses the disciples and is taken up into heaven. This is not an abandonment, as Jesus himself asserts, but a glorification. By blessing the disciples Jesus shows readers that he will continue to intercede and care for his followers, even if he is physically absent. We also might expect to hear that the disciples were upset or sad about Jesus leaving. However, the disciples respond not with grief but with joy. They worshiped and returned to Jerusalem, continually filling the temple with praise. This transformation from fear and confusion at the beginning of this chapter to joy and worship at the end demonstrates the power and hope of the Resurrection. The story of Jesus’ ascension reminds us that he reigns even now and that his story continues in and through us. This passage ultimately invites readers to reflect on their role as witnesses. Like the disciples, Catholics are called to carry forward the message of Jesus’ love, death and resurrection. These are not merely facts to be shared, but truths that transform individuals and flow out into the world, transforming it into the kingdom of God. What unique ways do you serve as a witness to the Good News?
About the Author Kate Oxsen is an assistant professor of Old Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union.