Ascension/7th Sunday of Easter

Readings for the Solemnity of the Ascension (May 28, 2017)

• First Reading: Acts 1:1-11
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
• Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23
• Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20 (Year A)

Reflection on the Readings

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11 – The Ascension as a Moment of Transition

In Acts, Luke describes Jesus’ final moments with His disciples before ascending into heaven. After instructing them to wait for the Holy Spirit, Jesus promises they will be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). As He ascends, a cloud takes Him from their sight, and two men in white assure the disciples that He will return in the same way.

Reflecting on this in the context of 2017, the Ascension marks a profound transition for the disciples, from having Jesus physically present to trusting in His spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit. That year, the world was marked by significant transitions and uncertainties—political shifts like the early months of the Trump administration in the U.S., the Brexit negotiations in Europe, and humanitarian crises such as the Rohingya refugee crisis in Myanmar. For Catholics, this reading calls us to trust in God’s plan during times of change. The disciples’ experience reminds me that Jesus’ departure is not a loss but a new beginning. It challenges me to ask: Am I open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in my life, especially when I face uncertainty? The Ascension invites us to embrace our role as witnesses, even when the path forward isn’t clear.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47 – Celebrating God’s Universal Kingship

Psalm 47 is a jubilant hymn: “God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy; the Lord, amid trumpet blasts” (v. 6). It celebrates God’s reign over all nations, calling all peoples to “clap your hands” and “shout to God with cries of gladness” (v. 2). This psalm reflects the triumph of the Ascension, where Jesus assumes His rightful place at the Father’s right hand.

In 2017, this call to joy might have contrasted with the heaviness many felt. Just days before, on May 22, the Manchester Arena bombing had shaken the world, killing 22 people and injuring many more. Amid such tragedy, the psalm’s exuberance could feel distant. Yet, it also offers a profound reminder that Christ’s ascension establishes His kingship over all creation, including over the darkness of human suffering. “For king of all the earth is God” (v. 8) invites me to reflect on how I can hold onto hope in the face of evil. The Ascension assures us that Christ’s victory is ultimate, and this psalm calls me to praise Him even in sorrow, trusting that His reign brings healing and justice.

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 – Christ’s Authority and Our Hope

Paul prays that the Ephesians may have their eyes opened to the hope of their calling and the “surpassing greatness of [God’s] power” (Ephesians 1:19). He describes how God raised Christ and seated Him at His right hand, “far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion,” placing all things under His feet and making Him head of the Church (v. 21-22).

This reading highlights the cosmic significance of the Ascension—Jesus is not just a teacher or prophet, but the Lord of all creation. In 2017, this message would have been a source of strength for Catholics amidst a world of competing powers. The rise of populist movements, debates over globalization, and the growing influence of technology (e.g., the increasing role of social media in shaping public opinion) might have made it easy to feel that human authorities or systems hold ultimate power. Paul’s words remind me that Christ’s authority surpasses all earthly forces. As a Catholic, this prompts me to examine where I place my trust. Do I look to political leaders, cultural trends, or my own efforts for security, or do I trust in Christ, who reigns over all? The Ascension calls me to anchor my hope in Him alone.

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20 – The Mission and Presence of Christ

In Matthew’s Gospel, the disciples meet the risen Jesus on a mountain in Galilee. Some worship Him, but others doubt (Matthew 28:17). Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” and commissions them to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (v. 18-19). He concludes with a promise: “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (v. 20).

This Gospel captures the dual reality of the Ascension: Christ’s departure to heaven and His enduring presence with us. The disciples’ mixed response—worship and doubt—resonates with me deeply. In 2017, the Church was preparing for the Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment (held in 2018), which addressed the doubts and struggles of younger generations in a rapidly secularizing world. Many Catholics, especially the youth, might have felt torn between faith and skepticism, much like the disciples. Jesus’ commission to “make disciples” challenges me to consider how I can share my faith in a world that often rejects it. His promise to be with us “always” is a comfort, especially in a year marked by division and fear. Reflecting on this, I’m reminded that the Ascension empowers us for mission, but it also assures us that we are never alone in that mission.

Personal Reflection

The readings for May 28, 2017, speak to the heart of what it means to be a Catholic in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain. The Ascension is not just a historical event—it’s a reality that shapes how I live today. Acts challenges me to be an active witness, even when the world’s problems seem overwhelming. Psalm 47 calls me to praise God’s kingship, even in the face of tragedy. Ephesians reminds me to place my hope in Christ’s authority, not in fleeting human powers. And Matthew’s Gospel assures me that Jesus is with me as I strive to live out His mission.

In 2017, these truths would have been a lifeline for many. The Manchester bombing, global refugee crises, and cultural shifts might have tempted me to despair or disengage. But the Ascension reminds me that Christ has overcome the world (cf. John 16:33). As I reflect on these readings, I’m called to trust in His presence, to rejoice in His reign, and to step out in faith, sharing His love with a world in need. The Ascension is both a celebration of Christ’s glory and a commissioning for us to continue His work—may I respond with courage and joy.