The Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich was filled with a sense of reverence and hope on Thursday, 29 May, as the community gathered to celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. This special day marks a pivotal moment in the Christian calendar, commemorating the moment when Christ ascended into heaven, 40 days after his resurrection. The atmosphere was deeply moving as Bishop Peter Collins led the Mass, capturing the dual sense of poignancy and purpose that defines this feast. It is a time of both farewell and promise, marking the culmination of Christ’s earthly ministry and the beginning of the Church’s mission in the world. As the congregation came together, they were reminded of the profound significance of this event, which is rooted in the teachings of Christ and the scriptures.
The readings of the day underscored the theological and spiritual importance of the Ascension, offering a rich meditation on the significance of this event. The first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, recounted the moment of Christ’s departure from his disciples, leaving them with a commission to be his witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” This reading set the tone for the rest of the Mass, emphasizing the importance of spreading the Good News and living as witnesses of the risen Lord. The second reading, drawn from Hebrews, offered a deeper reflection on Christ’s ascension as his entry into the heavenly sanctuary, where he intercedes eternally on our behalf. This reading reminded the faithful that Christ’s sacrifice was once for all, securing our redemption and opening the way for us to draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. The Gospel reading, taken from Luke, captured the final moments of Jesus’ earthly presence with his disciples, his blessing upon them, and their worshipful return to Jerusalem, filled with joy and ready to proclaim the Good News.
The liturgy was marked by dignified beauty, with incense rising like prayers to heaven as the faithful gathered to mark this pivotal moment in the liturgical year. The atmosphere was one of contemplation and reflection, as the congregation came together to celebrate the Ascension and its significance in their lives. Bishop Peter’s homily emphasized the peace and purpose that Christ leaves with his followers, a peace rooted not in his absence, but in the promise of the Holy Spirit and the certainty of his return. This message was a powerful reminder of the importance of living as witnesses of the risen Lord, and of the need to look outward, to live as witnesses of the Gospel in the world. As the Mass concluded, there was a palpable sense of mission renewed and hearts lifted, as the community was sent out to live as disciples of Christ, filled with the joy and hope of the Ascension.
The celebration of the Ascension is a reminder that our faith is not just about looking upward, but about living outward. It is a call to live as witnesses of the risen and glorified Lord, who remains with us always, even to the end of time. This message was echoed in Bishop Peter’s closing remarks, as he wished all present a happy feast day and encouraged them to go home “levitating at least one foot off the ground!” This lighthearted comment captured the sense of joy and hope that defines the Ascension, and reminded the congregation of the importance of living with a sense of wonder and awe. As the community left the Cathedral, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and mission, ready to live as disciples of Christ in the world.
The Ascension is a feast that is both deeply personal and profoundly communal. It is a reminder of the individual’s relationship with Christ, and of the collective mission of the Church to spread the Good News. As the congregation came together to celebrate this feast, they were reminded of their own role in this mission, and of the importance of living as witnesses of the Gospel. The Mass was a powerful reminder of the beauty and dignity of the liturgy, and of the ways in which the Church’s sacraments and traditions can shape and form us as disciples of Christ. As the community looked outward, to the world beyond the Cathedral, they were reminded of the importance of living as beacons of hope and joy, filled with the peace and purpose that Christ leaves with his followers.
In the end, the celebration of the Ascension is a reminder of the profound significance of Christ’s presence in our lives. It is a call to live as witnesses of the risen Lord, filled with the joy and hope of the Gospel. As the community left the Cathedral, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and mission, ready to live as disciples of Christ in the world. The Ascension is a feast that is both deeply personal and profoundly communal, a reminder of the individual’s relationship with Christ, and of the collective mission of the Church to spread the Good News. As we look outward, to the world beyond our own communities, we are reminded of the importance of living as witnesses of the Gospel, filled with the peace and purpose that Christ leaves with his followers. The Ascension is a powerful reminder of the beauty and dignity of the liturgy, and of the ways in which the Church’s sacraments and traditions can shape and form us as disciples of Christ. As we celebrate this feast, we are reminded of the importance of living with a sense of wonder and awe, filled with the joy and hope of the Gospel, and sent out to live as witnesses of the risen Lord in the world.
