Ascension of Our Lord

by Deacon Lorna Goodison on May 26, 2022

Faced with heart-breaking pain and fear at the ever-increasing incidents of mass shootings, the last one being another deadly school shooting, we cry out, “why God?”  The disciples experienced our overwhelming pain watching Jesus being cruelly beaten, derided, and nailed on a cross to die.  But pain and fear gave way to joy when our resurrected Lord appeared to them. Then Jesus left once more. Did Jesus’ ascension, spark new sorrowful questions like, “why did Jesus have to leave again?” No! Jesus’ ascension filled the disciples with joy! Why?  Prior to His ascension, Jesus “opened their minds to understand the scriptures.” (Luke 24:44-53). They were enabled to see Jesus’ life from God’s deeper perspective. Then came the final loving act: as He withdrew from them, Jesus raised His hands and blessed them. Divine blessings give hope and new meaning to life!

This past Thursday was Ascension Day. Jesus’ physical presence on earth ended. He took his rightful place in glory with the Father. But He did not abandon His disciples or us.  Jesus promised them that they would be “clothed with power from on high” after His departure. This was the power of the Godhead manifested in an interior relationship with the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ ascension ushered in a new, intimate way of being with God in Christ. His powerful spiritual Presence would transcend the physicality of Being. This Presence transformed the disciples into apostles sent to proclaim the liberating news of repentance and forgiveness of sins.  The disciples trusted Jesus and were filled with joy upon witnessing the wonder and glory of the Divine One, their teacher and friend, ascend to heaven!

 Sunday’s Gospel (John 17:20-26) recalls Jesus’ high priestly prayer before His death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus pleaded with the Father that the disciples may be unified in Him. Jesus again alludes to a deep spiritual union, in which there is harmony of thought, outlook, and purpose. This union was necessary for the disciples to go out into the world with zeal as apostles. Jesus was calling the disciples into a union in which they would become more than friends, but a part of His very Being on earth; their lives “hidden in Him”. And the disciples fulfilled that calling by devoting their lives to being Christ’s hands, heart, and feet in the world.

Jesus also prayed for you and me before His death. How awesome! Jesus prayed for all who believe in Him through the word handed down by the apostles (V.20). He prayed that we too may be drawn into union with Him and the Father, as well as the apostles, for we are called to continue Christ’s saving work, proclaiming in word and deed the Good News of Jesus’ offer of release from the consequences of sin, through His saving work on the cross. What dignity is ours! Simple, ordinary people that we are, Jesus, Sovereign, and Almighty, entrust us with God’s life-transforming work and clothes us with the blessing of “power from on high” to accomplish it!

God’s infinite love and wisdom are indeed too marvelous for words! Too wonderful for comprehension! So, even in this time of pain, we have hope. Our hope is rooted in God’s mighty power over life and death and God’s loving presence in our lives. Our Ascended Lord will lead us to joy! Thanks be to God!   

Tags: heaven, joy, forgiveness, holy spirit, repentance, presence, ascend, spiritual union, divine one

About the Author
Deacon Lorna Goodison

Reverend Lorna Goodison was ordained to the Diaconate on April 29, 2007. After discerning a call to ordained ministry, Deacon Lorna completed a process of spiritual discernment and pursued three years of study at the Diocesan School for Christian Studies. She also completed three units of hospice care training through Vitas and for a short while she was a volunteer Chaplain. Highlights of her continuing education activities include a guided visit to Israel and attending the Festival of Homiletics in Boulder, Colorado.

Soon after her ordination, Deacon Lorna was called to serve as Deacon at St. Mary Magdalene. She initiated an outreach ministry to the homeless at St. Laurence Chapel, obtaining the support and involvement of most members of the congregation. This ministry remained a vibrant outreach of the Church until the Chapel closed in 2019.  Other outreach ministries formed include an informal group of members who stay in touch with members who are ill and shut-in. Deacon Lorna remains committed to both the in-reach and outreach ministries of the Church. She has led quiet day reflections for groups within and outside of St. Mary Magdalene. She has often led Deacon’s Masses at small churches without a priest. Of all the ministries in which Deacon Lorna participates, she is most humbled and grateful to be involved in the ministry of praying with congregants facing life’s challenges.

Deacon Lorna serves the Diocese of Southeast Florida as a member of the Disciplinary Committee. She also serves on the Board of Deacons.   

Professionally, Deacon Lorna worked for some years in Human Resource Departments as a Training Manager, but most of her working years were spent in Social Work. She worked with at-risk teenagers counselling them and guiding them to resources to build a meaningful future. The last twenty years of her profession, were spent working with Seniors, guiding them to the resources needed to maintain their safety and independence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Adult Education. She is now retired, cherishes some alone time for prayer and reflection, but divides her time between the Church and her family which consists of two daughters, their husbands and three grandchildren.

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