After Jesus rose from the dead, many of his followers thought that he would soon bring about the end of history, a final judgment upon all evil and wickedness in the world, and a permanent restoration of Israel. But instead, Jesus commands his disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, and he ascends into the…
Today in the Spirit: Easter 7C (The Sunday After Ascension)
Ascension Day will have passed, and because it is always celebrated on a Thursday, too few of us will have taken notice. For that reason, the BCP 2019 has restored the practice of titling this Sunday the “Sunday After Ascension Day,” suggesting, of course, that some attention will be given to the ascension of Christ…
The Liturgical Home: Ascension
The Feast of the Ascension, or Ascension Day, is one of the highest feast days in the liturgical year. It is the day we remember Jesus’ bodily ascent into heaven and its profound significance. The Ascension might suggest sadness since Jesus physically left the earth. However, instead, it abounds with great joy as we celebrate…
Hymn Guide: See the Conqueror (ft. an exclusive video with Jenny & Tyler!)
“See the Conqueror” is a wonderful hymn on the Ascension of Christ. It is not widely known, but we hope to make it more popular, with God’s help! It was written by a 19th-century English bishop named Christopher Wordsworth (1807-1855), the nephew of poet William Wordsworth. Bishop Wordsworth authored many books, including The Holy Year, a book…
Ascension Day: A Collect Reflection
Ascension Day Almighty God, whose only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven: May our hearts and minds also there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Some Collect Housekeeping Note that the ACNA collect is a bit…
The Sunday after the Ascension: A Collect Reflection
The Sunday after the Ascension O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who…
Ascension Day & the Real Absence of Christ
Ascension Day is forty days after Easter. After Jesus rose again, he spent forty days with the disciples, then, “…he parted from them and was carried up into heaven” (Luke 24:51). His ascension marked the beginning of his absence. Imagine the roller coaster ride the disciples went through, from their disappointment at Jesus’s death to…
