Reflections
“God mounts His throne amid shouts of joy.”
This Sunday we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord, who was
taken up to heaven to be seated
at the right hand of the Father,
far above every principality,
with authority over every nation,
as our second reading tells us.
(Ephesians 1: 20-21)
With such an awesome God on His throne,
what hope do we have as mere human beings
that He will have anything more to do with us?
How far removed can we be if this Jesus is taken
up to heaven and has all things put beneath His
feet (including us)?
Fortunately, for us men, Jesus leaves us with a way
to share in His divinity, through the Holy Spirit which
He gives to us. His power and presence remain within
us, so long as we repent from our sins and believe
in Him.
Power is often associated with arrogance and brutal
treatment, but our God uses His power to work
miracles, and bring about healing. He is risen, and
is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven.
Knowing this, we shout with joy, and we praise Him.
After Jesus' Ascension, the disciples began their
active ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
That same power is given to us so long as we believe;
we too are called to ministry. And for that we are
inspired to praise the Lord, as the psalmist says,
“Clap your hands, shout to God with joyful cries;
sing praise to God!”
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. The Psalm speaks of God mounting His throne and reigning over the nations.
1. The Psalm speaks of God mounting His throne and reigning over the nations.
If God is raised up so far above us, how do you go about having a relationship
with our Lord so that He is present to you?
2. The Psalm's verses tell of God as the great king over all the earth, and we are
2. The Psalm's verses tell of God as the great king over all the earth, and we are
urged to sing praise to our king. Describe how our Lord's Ascension inspires you
to celebrate with shouts of joy.
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