Ken Overberg, S.J.

Ascension, May 4, 2008

Our readings today are clear reminders that the Scriptures are faith proclamations and not exact historical accounts.  In the imaginations of most of us, I suspect, it is Luke’s picture of the ascension that dominates.  Well, one of Luke’s pictures—the one we hear today in the first reading, the beginning lines of the Acts of the Apostles.  The same author ended the gospel of Luke with the ascension, but on Easter Sunday night, not forty days later!  Ascension is the hinge, holding together Luke’s two volumes, linking Jesus and the Church.  But the same event occurs on different days.

Neither Mark nor John describes the ascension.  Mark’s original ending described the women fleeing from the empty tomb.  Later writers added a scene, borrowing from Luke.  John has the risen Jesus tell Mary Magdalene not to cling to him because he has not yet ascended to the Father.  But that’s all.

Which brings us to Matthew, today’s gospel—and even more confusion!

Luke’s scene is  in Bethany, near Jerusalem.  Matthew’s scene is a mountain in Galilee.  When you have heard Matthew’s account in the past, I bet you have superimposed Luke’s version.  But listen attentively: in Matthew’s scene, Jesus doesn’t go anywhere!  There is no ascension.  In fact, Jesus announces that he will be with his people until the end of time.  Matthew began his gospel with a description of Jesus as Emmanuel, God-with-us.  He ends his gospel in the very same way.

So what can we make of these conflicting stories?  What does it mean to celebrate Ascension?  At least three points: glorification, presence, and commission.

Let’s listen to God’s word!

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Were the early resurrection appearances any different from our encounters with the risen Jesus in word and sacrament, in community and service?  Some scholars think so, and the Ascension marks the end of such appearances.  But we really do not know; our sources cannot answer that question.  Perhaps the experiences of the first disciples were just like ours.

Ascension clearly points to Jesus’ return to the Father from whom he came.  It proclaims his glorification—or as one Scripture Scholar (who is also a baseball fan) commented: it is Jesus going into the Hall of Fame.  Ascension also becomes a strong political statement.  The exaltation of Jesus challenged the powers that be, for similar proclamations were made by Roman imperial propaganda.  Our celebration of the ascension of Jesus, then, may lead us to reflect on our deepest values and allegiances in this very political year.

Jesus’ continuing presence, described by Luke in terms of the Spirit and Pentecost and by John in terms of the promised Advocate, enlightens and energizes the disciples, overcoming fear and offering great hope.

Emmanuel has come to stay with his community.  We might want to ask where, in the midst of our challenges and darkness, where we find great hope.

Finally the risen Jesus commissions the disciples, sending them to the ends of the earth—and now us into our everyday lives—proclaiming good news, baptizing, and teaching—about Jesus and Abba’s peaceable kingdom.