Ascension Day- Acts 1; Luke 24: 49-53

This Thursday is the fortieth day after Easter which has been the observance of Christ's Ascension (Acts 1; St. Luke 24:49-53) since at least the fourth century. By the fifth century, St. Augustine of Hippo was speaking of it as a universal custom. According to an old English tradition, it was known as "Holy Thursday" (an appropriate title but nowadays one sometimes associated with Maundy Thursday). The Ascension is a major feast commemorating a Scriptural reference to our Lord's earthly life and a doctrine taught in all three of the ancient Creeds of the Church. 

Unfortunately, the schedules of contemporary life make it hard for many people to observe this day at a church. Nevertheless, let us keep the day in our devotions and meditate on its meaning. Christ, the eternal Word, God the Son, has returned to His heavenly home at the right hand of the Father. This is for the good of Christ's followers in two important ways. 1) Our Lord is in the place of greatest honor and power interceding for us. 2) His return to heaven points us to Pentecost and the sending of the Holy Spirit to work among His people in new and powerful ways. Alleluia. Christ the Lord ascendeth into heaven; * O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.