Thursday prior to Easter 6

[1]

John 14:23-29 - In our Gospel lesson for this week, Jesus announces two realities. First, that He is going to the Father, this saddened the disciples. He further promises the Holy Spirit, which will not leave them comfortless. The only way for the Spirit to come was for the Son to ascend back to the Father. This He did at His glorious ascension. Because the Savior has returned to the Father, we can be assured that the Spirit will come not too many days from hence.

[2]

Today is Ascension - – today we remember – that the resurrected Jesus was taken up to heaven. In His resurrected body. In the presence of eleven of His disciples. Forty days after the resurrection.

The Ascension is one of the chief festivals of the Church Year. The Ascension is one of the six major milestones in the life of Jesus – His birth. His Baptism. His Transfiguration. His crucifixion. His resurrection.

The Ascension is a big day. The Ascension is professed in both the Nicene and Apostles’ Creed. The Ascension teaches that Jesus humanity was taken into heaven. The same Jesus who with the same body in which He suffered went into heaven. He will return. In the same way.  On the last great day. To judge men and angels at the end of the world.

Jesus might be visibly gone. Still He is physically present.  He remembers us. As He feeds us with His Word and Sacrament. He also intercedes for you. On your behalf. Standing next to you. He calls out to the Father. To bless and protect you. 

Prayers for Ascension: Almighty God, as Your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into the heavens, so may we also ascend in heart and mind and continually dwell there with Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Almighty God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

  Prayer of adoration, praise, and supplication: Almighty and eternal God, we adore You as the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus, and with the whole Church on earth and all the hosts of heaven we ascribe to You honor and blessing, thanksgiving and praise. Holy, holy, holy are You, Lord God Almighty; heaven and earth are full of Your glory. You created us in Your own image and redeemed us with the precious blood of Your Son. By Your Spirit You sanctified us and called us out of darkness into Your marvelous light.[3] -

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[1] The New Heaven and New Earth, and the Ascension of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use

[2] The Ascension of our Lord Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use

[3] Collects for Ascension and Adoration praise and supplication, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St Louis