Ascension of the Lord

Readings for the Ascension of the Lord: Acts, Hebrews, Luke

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players,” wrote Shakespeare. While he may have meant it metaphorically, there is something profoundly true in that statement—especially when we speak of the drama of salvation.

This divine drama isn’t make-believe; it is the true story of history—our relationship with God unfolding across time. God built the stage—our universe—and placed us, real people, into His story. From the beginning, He desired a relationship with us. But the devil sought to disrupt this divine play by tempting humanity into sin.

Yet the most remarkable twist in this drama came when God Himself took the stage. In Jesus Christ, God entered history. By His death and resurrection, He restored what was broken. The drama could now continue. But surprisingly, Jesus didn’t stay on stage.

His Ascension wasn’t an exit, but an invitation—for us to step into His role. The Church, His body, now carries on His mission.

Had Jesus remained visibly among us, we might have only sat at His feet. Instead, He ascended so we might rise, filled with the Holy Spirit, to be “little Christs”—active in the world, continuing His work.

But the drama isn’t over. As the angels told the apostles, Jesus will return. The story ends when the Church, transformed and united in love, gathers around Him once more. Until then, the curtain remains open—and we each have a role to play.

So, remember: the drama of salvation is still unfolding—and you are part of it.