Ascension - a neglected day, or a wonderful day?

Skychaplain Wed, 28/05/2014 - 16:11

Ascension Day (celebrated tomorrow as I write this), is always on a Thursday. At Junior School, it stood out for me (being at a C of E school) as a day for a compulsory service at the Parish Church, which I quite enjoyed, and then a day off school (which I enjoyed even more....!)

But, thinking about it (and avoiding any complex church history), it's a bit of a shame that the Church always celebrates this day on a weekday, when so many are at work. It needs a Sunday to do it justice. Why? Because Ascension Day is when we remember the fulfilment and completion of the life of Jesus on earth, with all that His life achieved for our salvation - through teaching, example, suffering, death and glorious resurrection to a life never to end. These are wonderful, encouraging themes for any Christian to dwell on. Now, surely, that needs some celebrating!?

Then lets add to that the truths that follow His ascension, which are so pastorally encouraging for us: His high-priesthood (adequately set out in the Letter to the Hebrews) and intercession for us in all our needs - with that understanding of One who has shared our existence - His sharing with the Father in sending the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and His heavenly reign as King of kings. 

When I consider that little lot, I feel year after year that the theme of Ascension can only be fully celebrated and preached when all God's people are gathered in Sunday worship. But I doubt whether a Facebook campaign will solve this one......!

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