Sunday after the Ascension- John 15

 The Sunday after the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ is related to several Christian beliefs and themes. It is a basic expression of the broader Christian message. This time, let us focus on the opening words of this Sunday's Gospel. John 15:26-27 says, "When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness..."

Note the Trinitarian theme related to the Ascension. The Gospel speaks of the Spirit who comes from God the Father and testifies of the Son. This is a beautiful summary of the Christian perspective on revelation and redemption. Christ's Ascension prepares the way for Pentecost. The risen Lord's physical departure from ordinary earthly contact with His followers allows the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, to come in a new and more powerful way. 

Yet, this sublime truth is not all; the message of the Ascension is not just abstract and heavenly. There is also a specific implication about the way Christ's followers are to live in the world. Our Lord tells His disciples that they shall bear witness. If we who follow Christ know something of heavenly truth, we are not to hide it. We are to share it in word and deed. Yes, Christ's Resurrection, His Ascension, and the Descent of the Holy Ghost are great events in salvation history. But we are not merely to bask in glorious reflection. We are called to active mission in the world.