By Father Paul Nord, Sunday Scripture
First Reading: Acts 1:1-11; Response: Psalm 47:2-3,6-9; Second Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23; Gospel: Luke 24:46-53
For the Ascension, the Second Reading for “Year C” is from Hebrews, but there is also the option to choose Ephesians 1:17-23 (the normal reading for “Year A”).
Today’s Gospel reading is the final verses of Luke’s Gospel. Immediately before these verses, Jesus revealed himself (post-resurrection) to two disciples as they walked on the road to Emmaus. That same evening, those two disciples returned to Jerusalem where the Eleven Apostles were gathered. When the Emmaus disciples recounted their encounter with Jesus, suddenly he appeared again to the whole gathering.
Jesus then reminded the disciples of the words that he had spoken to them before his death and resurrection. “Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures” – that is, Old Testament readings which Jesus fulfills (Luke 24:45). Similarly, Jesus had explained the Law and the Prophets to the two disciples walking to Emmaus. Jesus told them: “‘Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures” (24:26-27).
Thus, when Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, he taught them clearly about what he had accomplished, and how this fulfills God’s plan foretold in the Hebrew scriptures. Then Jesus commissioned his disciples to be his witnesses to the Gospel of salvation. He sent them to preach “to all the nations” (24:47). But Jesus first instructed them to remain in Jerusalem “until you are clothed with power from on high.” Jesus was promising the gift of the Holy Spirit, which would embolden his disciples to fearlessly proclaim the Gospel.
Luke’s Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles together form a two-part work. Our first reading is the opening verses of the Acts of the Apostles. These verses form a transition from the events of Luke’s gospel: “In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up.” It is possible that “Theophilus” refers to a specific person. Or “Theophilus” could be understood more literally: “beloved of God.” In the second case, Acts of the Apostles would be addressed to friends of God. Luke’s Gospel is likewise addressed to “Theophilus” – see Luke 1:3.
These transition verses end with “but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Thus, these verses recall Jesus’ teaching, his suffering and death, his resurrection, his “appearing to them during forty days,” his ascension, and his command that they should remain in Jerusalem until they are “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” This promise will be realized in Acts 2:1-13 during the Jewish feast of Pentecost – in which the Holy Spirit is poured out upon Jesus’ followers.
Continuing: “When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus’ followers anticipate the arrival of the “kingdom of God” – about which Jesus had taught frequently, and which the Messiah was expected to bring into being.
In Jesus’ response to their question, he does not promise them the immediate arrival of the kingdom of God. Instead, Jesus promises them that they would soon receive the Holy Spirit, which will enable them to “be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Thus, they are being invited to participate in Jesus’ mission. Jesus’ words here are consistent with the letter to the Ephesians (1:13-14) which says: “In [Christ] you… were sealed with the promised holy Spirit, which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession.” In these verses of Acts (1:6-8), Jesus’ tells his followers that they will receive the Holy Spirit first – and only later will the kingdom of God come in its fullness.
After this, Jesus “was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight” – this is Jesus’ “Ascension.” “Two men dressed in white garments” speak to Jesus’ disciples. These are angels of God, who promise that Jesus will return “in the same way” as he had departed.
The second reading, from the Letter to the Hebrews, compares Jesus Christ to the high priest of the Jerusalem Temple. It especially refers to the liturgical actions of the Jewish high priest during Yom Kippur, which is a “Day of Atonement” for sins. Every year on that day, the high priest would enter the inner sanctuary of the Jerusalem Temple to offer the blood of animal sacrifices as atonement for sins. Today’s reading shows how Jesus’ actions are superior – he has entered heaven itself (instead of the Temple sanctuary), and he has offered his own blood as atonement for our sins. Further, Jesus’ one-time offering of his blood (on the Cross) is sufficient for all time – in contrast with the yearly blood offering of the high priest on Yom Kippur.
Jesus “has appeared at the end of the ages to take away sin by his sacrifice.” Jesus has inaugurated a “new age” of God’s relationship with humanity. He has atoned for humanity’s sins by his one sacrifice on the Cross. Jesus’ sacrifice remains effective for now and always.
Jesus “will appear a second time.” This refers to Jesus’ second coming at the end of this age – so as “to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.” It is not necessary for Jesus to take away sin a second time when he returns – because he has already accomplished this for all time in his crucifixion.
“Therefore, brothers and sisters” – this introduces two exhortations. First: “let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust.” Our situation is being compared to the high priest who entered the sanctuary of the Temple. We are more fortunate because “through the blood of Jesus we have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary.” Jesus, our great high priest, has reconciled us to God. Thus, a second exhortation: “Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession” of faith in Christ.
Benedictine Father Paul Nord is a monk of St. Meinrad Archabbey, and teaches at St. Meinrad Seminary. His Sunday Scripture columns are © Father Paul Nord, O.S.B.