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The Easter festival continues throughout this month with the celebration of the Ascension of Our Lord on Thursday 24th May. In the Gospel it records that Jesus "led his Apostles out as far as Bethany, and blessed them with uplifted hands; and in the act of blessing he parted from them. And they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and spent all their time in the Temple praising God". (St Luke 24.50-53). Joy is the central theme of Easter and it is reflected in the lessons, hymns and prayers of the season, in the course of the Eucharist and other services. It filled the hearts of the disciples when he withdrew from them, although they could no longer see him in the flesh. It should also be central to our lives too, although we have never seen the Lord in the flesh. Joy, because Jesus has won for us through his victory over death on Easter Day, a share in his risen life through our baptism. At the Ascension he returns to the Father from whom he came to take his place - "seated at the right hand of the Father", as we recite in the creed. In the Te Deum Laudamus, the great song of praise used by the Church on great days, we say "You, Christ are the King of glory!" In this wonderful hymn, often set to magnificent music, we declare that Christ exercises with the Father supreme dominion over the whole of Creation, and in the creed, "Through him all things were made". Christ is our King! The Ascension hymn puts it well: The Head that once was crowned with
thorns The highest place that heaven affords
The joy of all who dwell
above, May the JOY of the risen Christ remain with you always. Your priest and friend. Malcolm Ferrier. |
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page last updated 1 MAY 2001 |
