Seventh Sunday of Easter

Acts 7:55-60
Ps 97:1-2, 6-7, 9
Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20
Jn 17:20-26

SENT FORTH
Today we celebrate Jesus’ return to heaven. If we struggle to know how to feel about this event, we take our cue from Jesus’ disciples. These disciples are first-hand witnesses to the Ascension, returning afterword to Jerusalem, where “they were continually in the temple praising God.” Long-time companions of the Lord, they surely feel the pain of physical separation from Jesus. Yet they praise God continually. They accept God’s plan, looking forward to the day when Christ will come again. As our reading from Hebrews affirms, Christ will return to “bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.” This Good News is almost too much to take in; the Acts of the Apostles explains that an angel has to wake the disciples from their stupor, reminding them to start the Lord’s work. Today’s readings are our own angel, sending us forth in joyful hope.