Ascension Day

from the website of the Loreto Sisters www.loretosisters.org.za

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1:17-23

Today marks the moment when Jesus was lifted to heaven and seated again at the right hand of the Father. The readings extend an invitation to dwell in the mystery which underlies all of the activity we see and in which we participate as the church.

It is impossible for the mind to entirely embrace all that is communicated in the readings for Ascension Day. In the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, we witness the ultimate promise unleashed upon time and space as we recall the moment when Jesus returned to the heavenly places. St. Paul is appealing to the way that your heart beats and responds in the presence of what God has accomplished through Christ. Thus, you are asked to see what is possible with the eyes of your heart.

The image is mytical: Jesus, seated at the right hand of God, above all rule, authority, power and dominion...above every name that is named, not only in this age but in the age to come.

Settle in to this image....bring to mind all of the forces or institutions or human conditions that you recognize as "power...authority....or dominion". Consider how, when and in what circumstances these entities have influence over existence (positive or negative). What happens when those thoughts are placed before the image of love, power, truth, peace and justice? What happens when you surround those images of earthly power and authority with the ultimate and eternal fullness of God?

Underlying and overriding everything in all times and places is God. It is only through the presence of the Holy Spirit, emerging from and dwelling in our prayerful hearts that we can respond with power and authority. This Holy Spirit guides us through the mind's thoughts (which can't accurately see as God would have us see what is before us) and empowers us to act as the body of Christ, the church.

This is the miraculous, marvellous possibility before each and all of us....

Blessed Ascension Day to you!