Today we observe the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. The eleven remaining disciples accompany the risen Jesus to the Mount of Olives. They receive the promise of the Holy Spirit once more—“for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

But the disciples had a different question. “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus placed a different task before he was taken up into a cloud. That is to be his witnesses. He is not visible to them anymore. Two angels tell them to get on with their task, to be Jesus’ witnesses. They promise Jesus’ return.

In the gospel of John today we heard parts of Jesus’ high priestly prayer. “And now I am no longer in the world,” Jesus prayed, “but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.” Jesus predicts his ascension and prays to protect the disciples in the world. In both instances, Jesus emphasises the phrase “Be my witnesses.”

As we observe the Ascension of our Lord, the angels’ words resonate with our faith. Let’s take a moment to think about our own mountain top experiences. It could be a real mountain top, it may be miracles of respite and retreat, or even the walks on pilgrimages. That could even be while we take our walks in our neighbourhood, that the Spirit of God prompts us after witnessing something.  

These are all occasions of rejuvenation, empowering us to live and serve faithfully. Peter’s words in his letter are to a persecuted Christian community. Peter assures his readers that the “fiery ordeal” is a test of faith and an opportunity to share in Christ’s suffering. It is not only suffering for Christ as Christ’s witnesses, but also the assurance of God’s grace to restore and strengthen them.  

How often are our eyes, hearts and expectations set on the last place that God met with us? The last experience of spiritual consolation? The last clear glimpse of Christ? And yet, God is not done meeting with, consoling, and empowering God’s people. It’s just that we have to move on, move forward, move from what is known to what is unknown.  

As we grow old, as we continue with the mundane week in and week out things in our church life, we grow weary. We lose objective. Our practice of faith turns into a routine thing in our life. We may not be the persecuted church. We become lukewarm in our being witnesses. In those times we must think of the mountain top experiences to move on.

The call is to be Jesus’ witnesses starting from the mountain top experiences. As we begin, the circles get bigger and wider and it goes to the ends of the earth. Because of the faithful disciples who continued to be Jesus’ witnesses, the faith in Jesus Christ is still alive.  

You and I are the witnesses who keep this place going to glorify God through our singing, worship, prayers and breaking of bread. Even if it feels neither hot nor cold, we must not be discouraged. Next week, we will be observing Pentecost, the gift of the Holy Spirit to the disciples. That is empowering us further to be the faithful witnesses.  

Look again at the event of the Ascension and our own mountain top experiences. The promise of power to be provided at Pentecost runs counter to the hope of the disciples’ status quo of a political restoration of Israel. They are told they cannot just sit back as spectators to watch divine power bring the restoration they hope for. They themselves will be empowered by the Holy Spirit that they might be the witnesses. They are to bring the work that began in Jesus to all people beyond Israel to the whole earth.  

The Acts of the Apostles is the community of those who received the call to be the witnesses starting from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It is the continuation of Jesus’ activity of “be the change you want to see in the world.”   

The message to us at the Ascension of Jesus is, Jesus has been the change he wanted to see in the world. Now it is the job of the followers of Jesus, it is our job to be the change that Jesus wants to see in the world. How do we do it?  

The community wisely leans on the presence of God, united in their devotion to prayer. This is the week to be united in the lead up to the Pentecost. This is the week to mark the changes; to rejuvenate and to be empowered to be the witnesses to bring about the changes Jesus wants in the world.