Here are the readings for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, May 20, 2012:
Acts 1: 1-11
Psalm 47: 2-3, 6-9
Ephesians 1: 17-23
Ephesians 1: 17-23
(or Ephesians 4: 1-13)
Mark 16: 15-20
Brief thoughts on each of the readings, to jump-start your reflections.
Acts of the Apostles, as the Gospel of Luke, is addressed to Theophilus, which is a Greek name meaning Beloved of God. Now, whether this was an actual early Christian (a community leader or a patron of Luke's?) or a generalized name for the entire Church.... I don't know. But let me invite you to accept this as your name: Beloved of God, and to read the Scriptures within this context.
There are two options for the second reading this Sunday, both poetic passages from the letter to the Ephesians. One is a warm wish for the gifts of God offered to us through the power of Jesus Christ. The other is encouragement to use the gifts we have been given in order to make the Body of Christ evident and strengthened in this world, in anticipation of our fulfillment in Christ in heaven.
This passage at the end of Mark's Gospel is one of two or three additional endings, while earliest manuscripts abruptly end at verse 8, in silence and fear at the reality of the empty tomb. Probably written in the 2nd century, given the reality of persecutions and the rejection by the Jews of Jewish-Christians, the strength of these (to us, strange) signs to comfort and protect might serve as needed encouragement to remain strong in their faith, to remain true to their mission.
Beloved. Gifted for mission. Encouraged in the midst of trial.
Which of these speaks to you at this point in your life? Why?
Brief thoughts on each of the readings, to jump-start your reflections.
Acts of the Apostles, as the Gospel of Luke, is addressed to Theophilus, which is a Greek name meaning Beloved of God. Now, whether this was an actual early Christian (a community leader or a patron of Luke's?) or a generalized name for the entire Church.... I don't know. But let me invite you to accept this as your name: Beloved of God, and to read the Scriptures within this context.
There are two options for the second reading this Sunday, both poetic passages from the letter to the Ephesians. One is a warm wish for the gifts of God offered to us through the power of Jesus Christ. The other is encouragement to use the gifts we have been given in order to make the Body of Christ evident and strengthened in this world, in anticipation of our fulfillment in Christ in heaven.
This passage at the end of Mark's Gospel is one of two or three additional endings, while earliest manuscripts abruptly end at verse 8, in silence and fear at the reality of the empty tomb. Probably written in the 2nd century, given the reality of persecutions and the rejection by the Jews of Jewish-Christians, the strength of these (to us, strange) signs to comfort and protect might serve as needed encouragement to remain strong in their faith, to remain true to their mission.
Beloved. Gifted for mission. Encouraged in the midst of trial.
Which of these speaks to you at this point in your life? Why?
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