Welcome to our Bible Study Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension A Catholic Communication’s Sunday 28 May 2017 In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM
Welcome to our Bible Study
Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension ACatholic Communication’s Sunday
28 May 2017In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy
As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM
1st reading: Acts 1:1-11 1 In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught
2 until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for "the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; 5 for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy Spirit." 6 When they had gathered together they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He answered them, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 9 When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. 10 While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. 11 They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven."
The focus is on the ascension of the Lord.
1st reading: Acts 1:1-11Recalling the gospel 1 In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught 2 until the day
he was taken up, after giving instructions through the holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
Jesus after resurrection 3 He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing
to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Jesus before ascension 4 While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to
wait for "the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; 5 for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy Spirit."
6 When they had gathered together they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He answered them, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jesus’ ascension 9 When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took
him from their sight. The Angels 10 While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men
dressed in white garments stood beside them. 11 They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven."
A simple outline!
1st reading: Acts 1:1-11Recalling the gospel 1 In the first book, Theophilus,
I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught 2 until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
Jesus after resurrection 3 He presented himself alive
to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
Commentary V.1 recalls Luke’s first book, the
gospel. The gospel is about the deeds
and teachings (words) of Jesus till his ascension. V.2
The addressee is Theophilus. He must be a good reader. He is not a man on the street, but a man of high reputation (Oh excellency, Lk 1,3).
V.3 describes the activities of Jesus: He proves to be alive He appears to the apostles
during 40 days He preaches the kingdom of
God.
Jesus before ascension 4 While meeting with them,
he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for "the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; 5 for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy Spirit."
6 When they had gathered together they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He answered them, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
In v.4, Jesus commands his disciples to stay put in Jerusalem and to wait for the promise (the Holy Spirit).
Within a few days (50 days), they will receive the Holy Spirit.
V.5 recalls the baptism of John. It was with water.
When Jesus was baptized, he received the Holy Spirit.
V.6 reveals still the nationalistic (patriotic) tendency of the apostles. The restoration of the kingdom of Israel
(something like that of the Hasmoneans, freedom from the Greeks), this time freedom from the Romans.
In v.7, Jesus does not reveal the time of their narrow nationalism/freedom. They are not entitled to know the times and seasons (chronos or kairos, both Greek words are used)… ordained by God.
In v.8, Jesus is more interested in their reception of the power of the Holy Spirit and their being witnesses.
Their scope: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and ends of the earth (the whole world).
Jesus’ ascension 9 When he had said this, as
they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.
The Angels 10 While they were looking
intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. 11 They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven."
V.9 briefly describes the ascension of Jesus.
Take note that like the crucifixion and resurrection, the author does not write many details about it.
V.9 contains “theological passive” (he was lifted up). The actor is understood as God.
V.10 presents two men (maybe angels) in white garments. (They first appear in Lk 24,4 at the tomb.)
In v.11, they address themselves to the apostles calling them as “men of Galilee.” They know where the apostles come from.
They inform the apostles that Jesus is taken up to heaven and will return to them in the same way as they have seen him go up to heaven.
Reflections on the 1st reading Jesus’ ascension signals the end / completion /
perfection of his earthly presence. Mission accomplished. No unfinished agenda. For the apostles, his ascension means standing by
until they receive the Holy Spirit. After the Holy Spirit descends on them, missionary work now
begins. They will do exactly what Jesus did (preaching, healing, and
forgiving). For us, Christians, ascension means continuation of
the works of the apostles, since we have received the Holy Spirit.
Do you know your mission?
Resp. Psalm 27:1. 4. 7-8 R. (13) I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the
land of the living.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;whom should I fear?The LORD is my life’s refuge;of whom should I be afraid?
4 One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek:To dwell in the house of the LORDall the days of my life,That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORDand contemplate his temple.
7 Hear, O Lord, the sound of my call;have pity on me, and answer me.8 Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks.
Resp. Psalm 27:1. 4. 7-8 R/ (6) God mounts his throne to
shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
2 All you peoples, clap your hands,shout to God with cries of gladness,3 For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome, is the great king over all the earth.
6 God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy; the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.7 Sing praise to God, sing praise;sing praise to our king, sing praise.
8 For king of all the earth is God;sing hymns of praise.9 God reigns over the nations,God sits upon his holy throne.
Commentary The psalm is classified as Royal
Psalm of Yahweh King. V.2 exhorts worshippers to
acclaim the Lord clapping, shouting with cries of joy.
V.3 gives the reason why: God is awesome, great king.
In v.6, the God-king occupies his throne as people make holy noise with a wind instrument.
V. 7 repeats the idea of v. 2, using the word “sing” four times.
V.8 gives the reason why: The earth’s king is God; God is the king of all nations. And now he is reigning supreme.
Reflections on the Psalm Like the psalmist, we must recognize that God is our
king. He rules over us, over the earth and nations. In our liturgy, we must be in our high performance level,
shouting and singing with joy. We give the impression that God is not an ordinary king
of a little kingdom or nation, but of all the earth. Do you participate in the liturgy without energy and
meaning? Think again the person you are encountering when you
attend the Mass.
2nd reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 17 May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
glory give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. 18 May the eyes of (your) hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, 20 which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, 21 far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
The focus is on wisdom and knowledge from the Lord.
2nd reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 17 May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory give you a
spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. 18 May the eyes of (your) hearts be enlightened, that you may know
what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones,
19 and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe,
in accord with the exercise of his great might, 20 which he worked in Christ,
raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, 21 far above
every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come.
22 And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
23 which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Text indented for easier reading.
2nd reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 17 May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of glory give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him.
18 May the eyes of (your) hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his
call, what are the riches of glory in his
inheritance among the holy ones, 19 and
what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, 20 which he worked in Christ,
raising him from the dead and
seating him at his right hand in the heavens, 21 far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come.
22 And he put all things beneath his feet
and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the
fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Commentary Vv.17-18 express the wishes of
the author to the Christian believers: That God may give you a spirit
of wisdom and revelation… that the eyes of your hearts be
enlightened. The end result of his wishes:
that you may have knowledge of him // that you may know…
What? Future hope, riches, greatness
of us who believe The wonders God has done to
his Son He raised from the dead He seated him at his right hand He put all things under his feet He made him head over all to
the church, his body
Reflections on the 2nd reading The author wishes well the Christian believers. Jesus is now in heaven (since he has ascended). We, Christians, must know what is in store for us. We, too, will join Jesus in his glory. The Christ, we are believing in, is not an ordinary
being. He is pre-eminent among all beings. What kind of Christ are you worshipping? Are you stuck up with the Christ Crucified? We must not trivialize Christ, by being a lousy
disciple, without energy and enthusiasm, in front of our loved ones and people of other religions.
Gospel reading: Matthew 28:16-20 16 The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the
mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. 18 Then Jesus approached and said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."
The focus is on the great commissioning of the apostles.
Gospel reading: Matthew 28:16-20The 11 apostles in Galilee 16 The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain
to which Jesus had ordered them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.
Jesus’ commissioning 18 Then Jesus approached and said to them, "All power
in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
Jesus’ assurance of presence And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the
age."
A simple outline!
Gospel reading: Matthew 28,16-20The 11 apostles in Galilee 16 The eleven disciples went to
Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.
Jesus’ commissioning 18 Then Jesus approached and
said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
Jesus’ assurance of presence And behold, I am with you
always, until the end of the age."
Commentary Matthew has a different view on
the ascension of Jesus. The ascension happens in Galilee.
We don’t know the exact spot where Jesus ascended into heaven. V.16
Luke assigns Jerusalem (at Mt. Olivet) as the place of ascension.
In the first readings (Acts 1,4), Jesus forbids his disciples to go to Galilee. They stay put in Jerusalem until they receive the holy Spirit.
V.17 indicates the disciples’ response at the sight of him: they worshipped, they doubted
The commissioning starts with Jesus’ acknowledgment of all power given him. V.18
“Heaven and earth” is merismus, meaning all, everything.
Gospel reading: Matthew 28,16-20The 11 apostles in Galilee 16 The eleven disciples went to
Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.
Jesus’ commissioning 18 Then Jesus approached and
said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
Jesus’ assurance of presence And behold, I am with you
always, until the end of the age."
In v.19, Jesus is transferring to them his full powers to make disciples of every race /nation known at that time.
This is done through: Baptism in the name of the
Holy Trinity Teachings to observe
commandments. V.20 In v.20b, Jesus assures them of
his spiritual presence until the end.
Reflections on the gospel reading Before Jesus goes up to heaven, he commissions his
disciples. We, Christians, are also sent to make disciples of
Christ. We must not forget two important tasks:
Baptizing (catechizing the prospects, incorporating them into our Christian community)
Teaching (explaining who Christ is and the proper behavior of a believer, following up the baptized)
Disciples must be intelligent and must have a strong sense of community (Church).
Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The first reading explicitly talks about the ascension
of Jesus. The psalm talks about taking refuge in God. The second reading talks about the greatness of
Jesus (who has ascended into heaven). The gospel reading is about the command of Jesus to
make disciples (after his ascension).
We must develop the theme of ascension along with apostleship (sent with a commission).
How to develop your homily / sharing What is the meaning of Jesus’ ascension into heaven?
For Jesus, it is the end of his earthly presence. There will be no more appearances, no more teachings,
preachings and healings on his part. The Holy Spirit is close at hand.
For the apostles, it is the beginning of the mission. Now, the apostles have to roll up their sleeves and keep
busy.
The gospel reading talks about the mission of the apostles.
The apostles are to multiply / reproduce the disciples of the Lord by baptizing them.
Even if they do not have any formal training on missiology, the 11 apostles will exert effort to sell Christ.
We, too, are commissioned, by virtue of our baptism, to make good Christians and teach them how to center their lives on Christ.
The second reading tells us who Christ, the one commissioning, is.
He is a big man. God worked hard with him to save us. Christ is an accomplisher. He delivered the services expected of him.
Christ is a missionary par excellence. As his true witnesses, we can share in his
dedication, mission and destiny. Jesus’ ascension signals that there is
something to hope for, somewhere, after faithfully doing our mission.
How many people have you encouraged to live their faith?
The first reading challenges us to focus our attention on our fellow human beings and to invite them to become Jesus’ disciples.
We can better do our mission, by being down to earth (being realistic, more concrete), rather than, by looking up in the sky (being idealistic).
We can do this if we are living in the now: if we accept people considering their present concerns, and not to look for what is non-existent.
We, Christians, of today are commissioned missionaries
(apostles) of our own times. We have better facilities now, like the Internet. We can
do more, if we properly make use of them. We have new challenges because of the new situations,
cultures, mentalities facing our people today. In the church, there is no place for idle talks, for
backbiting, recalling old bad experiences, rather, let us discern on how best we can respond to God’s call.
As Christians, who love the Church and Christ, we should waste no time doing nothing, but do our share in God’s work.
The ascension of Jesus enjoins us to do our part, in giving witness to the kingdom of God, to make disciples.
The eucharist celebrates the ascension of the Lord. The eucharist is a living memory of Jesus, who
ascended into heaven. The eucharist is a celebration that binds us, disciples,
together in mission until the end of times. If we love the eucharist, we will feel compelled to
encourage others to receive the same.
Our Context of Sin and Grace Hopelessness Missionless Purposeless Visionless No sense of
responsibility in Church No sense of a better
future Uncommitted
Active Missionaries Christian Responsibility Discipleship Faith in Heaven Catechists Bible Facilitators Pastoral Workers Witnessing to Christ
Suggested Songs Maghandog ng Alay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPws8drK4MA
Come to Me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID90ryPYU00
Go Tell Everyone
Dear sisters and brothers,
The ascension of Jesus means we now begin to do our part.
Fr. Cielo