Reflections on the Feast of the Ascension, Its Importance in the Church, and the Spiritual and Theological Lessons We Learn ________________________________________
Reflections on the Feast of the Ascension, Its Importance in the Church, and the Spiritual and Theological Lessons We Learn
The Main Idea of the Lecture
The lecture addresses the Feast of the Ascension as a fundamental event in the plan of salvation, revealing the glory and divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ, affirming the continuation of His work in the Church after His Ascension, and calling believers to spiritual elevation and detachment from material things.
The Theological Dimension of the Ascension
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the Ascension does not mean that God moves from one place to another, since God is unlimited, but rather refers to the Ascension of Christ in His glorified body. This Ascension proclaims His divinity and confirms that His glorified body is not subject to material laws such as earthly gravity.
The Ascension and the Strengthening of Faith
The Ascension was a divine response to the stumbling block of the Cross, restoring the disciples’ faith and proving that the One who was crucified is the Lord of glory. The Ascension occurred without any mediator, unlike Elijah, which highlights the uniqueness and divine authority of Christ.
The Ascension and the Continuation of Christ’s Work
The Ascension does not mean the absence of Christ or the cessation of His work, but rather a transition from physical sight to spiritual communion. Christ remains present in the Church, working through the Holy Spirit, dwelling in the hearts of believers, and guiding His pastoral and salvific work.
️ The Ascension and Preparing the Church
Before His Ascension, the Lord Jesus spent forty days preparing the disciples, handing over to them the Church tradition, and explaining to them the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, so that they might become leaders of the Church after Him. This highlights the importance of preparing servants and ministers.
The Ascension and the Glory of God
The Feast of the Ascension reveals the glory of Christ after the stage of self-emptying and humility. Sitting at the right hand of the Father does not mean a literal position, but rather dwelling in divine power and glory, as a proclamation of authority and majesty.
The Spiritual Lesson for Believers
The Feast of the Ascension calls believers to lift their hearts and eyes toward heaven, and to detach from earthly and material concerns. It instills the fear of God, reverence for His glory, readiness for judgment, and a life of repentance, worship, and humility.
The Ascension and the Second Coming
The Ascension is linked to the Second Coming, when Christ will come in great glory to judge the world. Awareness of the glory of God keeps a person spiritually vigilant, living in righteousness and reverence before God.
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