As far as I can remember, I have never been a part of a church service that celebrated the Ascension of Jesus. This day is celebrated on the 6th Thursday after Easter, or 40 days after the resurrection. I read a lot of repeats from the Road to Emmaus story; the connection back to the Old Testament and how Jesus opens them up to these words and his connection to them. I love how Jesus emphasizes that their work will focus on proclaiming the forgiveness of sins to all nations. I wonder how we are doing as a church with that mission today and how the world would be different if that was more of our focus. 

When Jesus tells them that they are witnesses of these things, I can't help but think of someone in a courtroom or who witnessed an accident. As a witness their account is important to relay to others what has happened. What are the things that we have witnessed, or experienced, that the world needs to hear about? This is what it means to be a witness. 

When Jesus tells them to stay put until they are clothed with power from on high, this is a connection to part two of Luke, the book of Acts. One of the opening parts of Acts is the story that we call Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit filled the room where they were and they began to tell the story of Jesus in a number of languages. They became active witnesses who relayed this life changing story. 

The last four verses of this pericope are very cinematic to me. As Jesus is blessing them, and they are receiving this blessing, he is lifted up until he disappears from view. Why does Jesus go up into the sky? Why doesn’t he just disappear like someone being beamed somewhere in Star Trek? The things that caused crops to grow, that are needed for food, came from above; hence Jesus returns to the place where all goodness originates. 

What do they do after such an experience? They worship. How do we respond to things that bring us joy and hope?